Free dog dirt bags to be stopped

The authority has agreed to stop the £40,000 scheme, which makes about three million bags available annually.

The council insisted the change in policy would not result in dog owners failing to clean up after their pets.

But councillor Alex Rowley said the authority had a duty to keep parks clean and bags encouraged owners to take responsibility for their animals.

He said: "One of the most common complaints I get as a councillor is the amount of dog litter that fouls the pavements and public places.

Take responsibility

"As well as being unpleasant and lowering the tone of our communities, dog mess brings with it an increased risk of toxicara which can cause blindness in young children.

"It was short-sighted to remove this service which was put in place to encourage dog owners to take responsibility and clear up after their pets."

The council's leader, Peter Grant, said it was not unreasonable to expect people to buy their own bags.

He said: "Free dog waste bags were important in the past when the council was trying to change people's attitudes.

"Public education has persuaded the vast majority of dog owners to act responsibly.

"The minority who still let their dogs foul the pavements will never be persuaded, regardless of how many free bags they get."

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