Visitors to Fife’s cemeteries and crematoria are being urged to report dog owners who fail to pick up after their pet.
Safer communities officers are stepping up patrols in and around Dunfermline Cemetery following a recent increase in complaints from visitors, but the net will be cast wider as Fife Council aims to target those who continue to flout dog fouling laws.
Fines for dog fouling are also set to double to £80 in April and officers are hoping the increase will act as a greater deterrent.
Councillor Pat Callaghan, the council’s executive spokesman for environment and transportation, said he had been angered by the recent increase in incidents.
He said: “Fife’s cemeteries and crematoria are a place for people to go and remember their lost loved ones.
“It is completely unacceptable and extremely disrespectful for dog owners to allow their pets to foul on lairs.
“Our safer communities officers stepped up patrols in Dunfermline Cemetery just over a year ago and while there were some initial improvements I’m disappointed that this has not had any long term impact on the problem.”
He continued: “Not only are our pavements, parks, playing fields and beaches blighted with dog fouling, unfortunately our cemeteries increasingly are too. “Aside from the obvious unpleasantness, dog fouling can also pose a significant health risk, particularly for children.
“I hope the increased presence of officers will once again demonstrate that the people of Fife will not tolerate dog owners who break the law.”
With safer communities officers limited in terms of what areas they can cover, much of the onus will also be on local people to stay vigilant.
Fixed penalty notices can be served based on evidence provided by a reliable witness, meaning offences do not necessarily need to be witnessed by a council officer.
And even if a witness is not willing to come forward, any information that helps identify an offender will be welcomed by the council.
Repeat offenders can expect to be reported to the procurator fiscal, where the maximum penalty under the Dog Fouling (Scotland) Act 2003 is £500.
Mr Callaghan added: “It’s unfortunate that many responsible dog owners feel tarred with the same brush as the few irresponsible owners breaking the law.
“As always, we’re thankful to the owners who clean up after their dogs and ensure they are kept under control in public places.”
People can report any instances of dog fouling, not just those in cemeteries, to the council by calling 03451 550022 or by emailing Environmental.Enforcement@fife.gov.uk.