Environmental enforcement officers are returning to the city’s streets in a bid to curb a recent increase in dog fouling.
Since social distancing measures were introduced, the Council has seen a rise in reported cases of owners failing to pick up after their pooches.
At the beginning of the coronavirus crisis, enforcement was not deemed an essential service. However, because of the hazardous nature of dog waste and its dangers to children, officers will be back on patrol from Monday.
Uniformed and plain clothed officers will be patrolling areas of the city where complaints have been received.
Councillor Sally Haydon, Cabinet member for Customer Focus and Community Safety, said: “It really is so disappointing that a very small number of dog owners are refusing to respect the city and other residents.
“My colleagues and I have received email after email from members of the public about this issue and I hope that a deterrent of a steep fine will make people stop and think.”
Environmental enforcement officers have the power to issue fixed penalty notices for £100 to owners who they catch not picking up after their dogs. If an FPN is not paid, it could end with a criminal conviction.
Although the main purpose of the patrols are to catch irresponsible dog owners, officers will not be turning a blind eye to other issues such as littering.
Dog control issues within areas clearly signed as covered by a Public Space Protection Order will also be monitored.
The Council is also asking for residents to get in touch if they know of an area that has a particular issue with dog fouling or they have seen and can identify some who has not picked up after their dog.
Find out more here - www.plymouth.gov.uk/dogcontrol