Perth and Kinross Council has moved quickly to clean up an area blighted by careless dog owners in recent weeks.
The Courier reported how a patch of ground beside the path running behind St Boswell’s Place on the town’s western edge had become littered with discarded bags of dog mess.
Despite dedicated bins sited at either end of the path, dirty dog owners had even tied some of the bags to trees rather than carry them away.
The problem had got so bad, one path user pinned a note to a tree questioning the disgusting actions and residents were complaining about the site.
A spokesman for Perth and Kinross Council said action has been taken which could soon see the problem removed after an investigation by a dog and welfare officer.
He said, “In an attempt to resolve the issue for local residents and responsible dog owners, we’ll install a dog mess bin at the site.
“The bin will be a refurbished one left over from the MacRosty Park (Crieff) renovations, and we just need to get a pole sited to get installed. Hopefully that will alleviate the problem.”
The bags of mess, which had been strewn about the wooded area, have also been cleared up. The council spokesman also had strong words for those who fail to clear up after their pets.
He said, “People who leave dog mess behind are not only breaking the law, they are being anti-social in their disregard for the users of the area.
“Perth and Kinross has many attractions to offer and such anti-social behaviour spoils the pleasure for everyone else. Most dog owners are responsible and clean up after their pets, but a small minority continue to flout the law.
“The council will continue to target its resources at those areas which are worst affected and people breaking the law risk receiving a fixed penalty notice.
“The public can phone 01738 476476 to report fouling or speak to a dog control and welfare officer regarding information on people who do not pick up after their dogs.
“The dog control and welfare officers operate on an intelligence-led patrolling basis and so we would encourage people to let us know if there is a problem in their area. Information is used sensitively, and we value this co-operative working.
“Dog owners should carry the dog waste bags to the first available bin or if none then take them home for proper disposal.
“Anyone identified as leaving a dog waste bag other than in a bin will be issued with a fixed penalty notice, £40 and if not paid within 28 days, £60.
“The real solution to this issue lies with dog owners who need to be aware that they are legally obliged to clean up dog mess that is deposited in any public area by their pets.”