Dog fouling problem in Northumberland community 'can't be blamed on the tourists'

Dog fouling in Wooler has reached unacceptable levels, say parish councillors.
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Chairman Mark Mather voiced his condemnation of irresponsible dog owners at a virtual parish council meeting.

“It cannot be blamed on the tourists as it normally would,” he told fellow members. “This is local people.”

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He revealed that the number of dog fouling complaints received by the parish council had ‘gone through the roof’ in recent weeks.

Dog fouling binDog fouling bin
Dog fouling bin

As a result, a local landowner has closed a permissive right of way after receiving verbal abuse from a dog owner he confronted.

“I don’t blame him one bit,” said Coun Mather. “The amount of dog poo being left is unacceptable.

“Some of it isn’t being picked up. Others are picking it up and leaving it in bags.

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“This has to stop before more footpaths are closed. It’s spoiling it for everyone.”

The issue has been reported to Northumberland County Council and members of the public have been urged to report any instances they see via the county council website.

“Unfortunately, every time the dog warden turns up everyone is as good as gold,” said Coun Mather.

People say they know who is doing it but unless they get reported it’s never going to get fixed. Someone needs to get prosecuted for it to have an impact.”

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Discussions are being held over the possibility of a new dog bin by a popular riverside walk.

Coun Mather also revealed there had been an incident of lambs being killed by a dog off the lead.

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