Dundee’s environment chief has warned “there is just no excuse” for not cleaning up after pets, as it emerged that more than four million poop bags were handed out to dog owners in the city last year.
Craig Melville said that the local authority handed out 4.2 million of the plastic bags.
The SNP councillor added that there were more than 1,300 special bins in the city, which received 222 tonnes of dog waste last year.
He said: “There is just no excuse for not cleaning up after your dog in Dundee.
“We are one of only four councils in Scotland that hand out free plastic bags to dog owners and the number being taken is going up every year.
“There are more than 1,300 strategically located bins in the city, which have collected 222 tonnes of waste.
“It is also possible for dog owners to use the regular public bins.
“We have launched extensive high-profile public campaigns and have posted signs warning people of the consequences if they choose not to clean up after their pets. It is a small minority of people who are acting in this fashion, and there can be no excuse for it.”
The environment convener’s comments came after The Courier revealed the number of fixed penalty notices issued to irresponsible dog owners had risen over the last three years.
Labour’s environment spokesman, Councillor Richard McCready, said: “Dog fouling is disgusting but it is also dangerous.
“Dundee City Council should do all that it can to eradicate this revolting practice from our city.
“Whilst the council can do a lot of things to deter dog fouling and punish offenders, it is clear that the most straightforward solution rests with dog owners.
“Dog owners should clean up after their dogs and take responsibility for their dogs.”