£80 fine risk for dirty dog owners

DOG owners who let their pets do the dirty and fail to wipe up could be hit with an £80 on-the-spot fine as part of tough new rules designed to clean up Oldham’s streets.

Under the plan, anyone who fails to pay the fine — reduced to £50 if paid within 10 days — could face court costs of up to £1,000.

Other measures being considered by Oldham Council include making it an offence to not have a dog on a lead in any council cemetery and an order to exclude dogs from children’s play areas.

Councillor Mark Alcock, Cabinet member for the environment and infrastructure, said: “This order is aimed at the minority of dog owners who give the rest a bad name.”

Anyone who would like to make their views on the orders known can write to Graham Boundy, Group Manager Environmental Health & Registrars, Oldham Council, Chadderton Town Hall, Middleton Road, Chadderton OL9 6PP before March 12.