Infrared thermometers and a new poo bag code are to be used to clamp down on dog fouling.
The Knot in my Neighbourhood scheme is the latest bid by Perth and Kinross Council to push the message that failing to clean up after your pet is unacceptable.
Owners will be encouraged to tie a poo bag to their dogs’ leads as both a sign that they are able to pick up mess, as well as providing a signal to other dog walkers that they would be willing to give them a bag if they have run out.
Trading Standards Officer Derek Hutcheson, who is leading the campaign, said: “We get a lot of complaints about people not picking up fouling and we are trying to encourage people to pick up. I saw people walking with a bag tied to their lead and thought ‘why not try and encourage that?’
“People can show they are a responsible dog owner by showing that they have a bag on them. It also allows people to see that they could possibly borrow a bag from that person.”
Council officers have handed out 48 fines for pets fouling since last April, but have to catch offenders in the act in order to penalise them.
Derek, who owns a husky-cross, added that council dog wardens were looking at new ways to ensure that irresponsible owners do not go unpunished.
He said: “We are exploring the use of infrared thermometers to check the temperature of poo. If it’s near to the dog’s body temperature that’s proof for the procurator fiscal that it’s recent.
“It’s not for testing random poo but if someone is caught and they are disputing that their dog was responsible. It would be used in conjunction with foot patrols and fixed penalty notices.”
He added that the council welcomes complaints about dog fouling as it helps target resources to snare offenders.
The council is also encouraging dog owners to get their pets microchipped ahead of it becoming compulsory in April and will be holding a number of sessions offering free microchipping.
The first event will be held in the Tulloch Institute from 10am to 1pm on Saturday, with a further event at Live Active Letham from 3pm to 6pm on January 20 and at Davidsons Veterinary Supplies, Welton Road, Blairgowrie, on February 12 from 10am until 2pm.