Plea to dog owners over 'absolutely filthy' Wick pavements
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Irresponsible dog owners are being urged to show more consideration after a claim that pavements throughout Wick are "absolutely filthy".
The issue was raised this week by Joanna Coghill, chairperson of the Royal Burgh of Wick Community Council, who declared: “There is not one street in this town that hasn’t got a lump of dog poo on it."
Speaking at the community council's monthly meeting, held by Zoom on Monday night, she appealed to Highland councillors for support.
“We’ve got a serious issue with dog mess in the town," Mrs Coghill said. "I cannot look at where I’m going because I’ve got to keep an eye on the pavement the whole time.
“I would hate to be an old person, a disabled person or a pram-pusher because the streets are absolutely filthy.
“The onus should be on the dog owners and I am sick and tired of the minority spoiling it for the majority.
“I am tired of everybody complaining but nothing is being done by the owners who are responsible for leaving their dogs’ greeting cards. It is beyond a joke now. This is the worst I’ve ever seen it in the town.”
Mrs Coghill pointed out that the local Highland Council dog warden covers a wide area and has a range of other duties.
“There is one dog warden doing whole of this coast and she cannot be everywhere," Ms Coghill said. "We should be supporting her and the dog owners should be supporting her.
“For one person to cover such a large area, it’s an impossible task.”
Mrs Coghill called for a “scoop your poop” campaign to encourage all dog owners to clean up after their pets. She also suggested owners could form a voluntary clean-up group.
Community councillor Wendy Campbell said: “There should be somebody designated within the council to be out and about and charging those that are not picking it up. Make it £100 and they would soon stop it.”
Mrs Coghill said: “I agree we should have one designated person who can fine you on the spot without any witnesses or statements.”
Highland councillor Raymond Bremner interjected: "If there was a way that we could fine them, and fine them heavily, they would think twice about doing it but I’m certain there are legal parameters on what we can actually fine people for something like that.”
Community councillor Allan Bruce, describing himself as "a responsible dog owner”, suggested issuing a small map to highlight where dog waste bins are located.
Members agreed to invite the dog warden to their March meeting.
A Highland Council spokesperson said: “People can report dog fouling using the online ‘dog fouling’ form on the council’s website.
“The assistant community works officer is employed with the council’s community services and environmental health. The officer’s role includes duties of dog warden for the Caithness area, litter enforcement officer, fly-tipping investigation and enforcement and investigation of reports of abandoned vehicles.
“Due to the level four lockdown, all non-essential work has been placed on a temporary hold unless there is a serious public health concern relating to the enquiry.
“All complaints and enquiries will be recorded and actioned once the Highland area leaves the current level four restrictions.”
