IT’S a messy, not to mention smelly, issue that regularly upsets people who have to walk Luton’s pavements.
But figures obtained by the Herald&Post show that in the past five years, just five dog owners have been fined for failing to clear up their pet’s poo.
Luton Borough Council also sent out one warning letter, and had to withdraw one fine after its enforcement officers were given a false address.
Survey results published this week by charity Living Streets showed more than 60 per cent of people in the East of England region were put off walking their local streets because of dog poo and litter.
And people in Luton certainly feel that way.
On our Facebook page, mum Angela Jane Roberts said: “The school run is more like the dodge poo run! It’s disgusting.”
Ammara Ali added: “You see dog poo and spitting everywhere once you step out, it’s really disgusting.”
And Johanna O’Donoghue said: “It makes Luton look like a pig sty, proper grimy.”
Councillor Dave Taylor, in charge of environment at Luton Borough Council, said budget cuts meant resources to tackle the problem were scarce.
“The council has now invested in a couple of small ride-on mechanical sweepers that are designed to travel on pavements and that can clean up dog mess.
“It seems that dog owners who are out at work all day are the worst culprits with the early morning walk around six to seven in the morning, and after eight in the evening.
“These are times when it is difficult to employ enforcement officers.”
Lib Dem group leader David Franks said the problem was getting worse.
“People are not forced to keep a dog and the decision to do so brings with it the responsibility to clean up its mess,” he said.
“With only six penalty notices issued in the last five years it is clear the Dog Warden Service is completely ineffective.
“Hardly surprising when the team has been cut to only two to cover the whole town.”