Football coaches in Carnoustie have to spend up to half an hour before matches cleaning up dog mess from the pitch.
Phil Hope, chairman of Carnoustie Panmure Community Club, has hit out at thoughtless dog owners using Pitskelly Park.
Mr Hope said the time clearing the pitch wasted “vital” time with youngsters and their parents.
He said: “Coaches are regularly having to spend the first 30 minutes or so before the start of each game having to scour the pitches and clean up dog mess.
“Not only should this be unnecessary if people would just clean up after their dogs but it means vital time that should be spent ahead of a game talking to players and liaising with parents is lost.
“It’s not a pleasant task and it is not the odd isolated incident we have to deal with. We regularly have to clean up considerable amounts of dog mess.”
Carnoustie councillor David Cheape has taken on the issue and expressed his concern at the “thoughtlessness and sheer laziness” of some dog owners in Carnoustie.
He welcomed the support he has received from communities director Alan McKeown in addressing the problem after he agreed that Angus Council cleaners would regularly “clear the pitches” ahead of weekend matches.
Mr Cheape said: “Clearly the best option would be for all dog owners to clean up after their pets.
“Too many dogs are left to roam unattended or owners simply turn a blind eye to what their dogs are doing.
“There are many responsible dog owners and, as one myself, I watch dumbfounded as many people can be seen walking away ahead of their dogs not paying a blind bit of attention to what they are doing and leaving in their wake.
“Sending the council’s waste cleaners is an unnecessary and unwelcome use of council funds but hopefully this will help clear the worst of the mess.
“In addition we will look to install visual and discrete CCTV cameras to try and deter offenders and will not hesitate to fine and/or prosecute those caught on cameras and found to be still failing to clean up their dog’s mess.
“Another option would be for the football club to fence off the pitches but this is an extremely costly solution and, as the land is still classed as public space, owners would still have rights to exercise their dogs over the fenced off land.”
People who don’t clear their dog’s mess can receive a £80 fixed penalty notice, rising to £100 if not paid within 28 days.
Angus Council would encourage anyone to phone the Access line on 0345 277 7778 to report someone allowing their dog to foul and not clearing up afterwards.
