New spray paint tactics could be rolled out in fight against dog fouling

Irresponsible dog owners in Glenrothes face the humiliation of having their pet's mess sprayed with fluorescent paint if an idea pioneered in Kinglassie is rolled out.

Kinglassie Action Group has taken the lead in the initiative, which it’s hoped will show dog owners who don’t pick up what an impact the abandoned poo has on the rest of the community.

The move comes as Fife Council’s Safer Communities team revealed only one fixed penalty notice was issued for failing to pick up between April and September of last year despite 77 complaints.

In Kirkcaldy, five fixed penalties were issued following 98 complaints.

Last year, the penalty for failing to pick up after a dog doubled from £40 to £80 but the offence has to be witnessed – circumstantial evidence is not enough.

Across Fife there are 34 people who can issue fixed penalties and carry out regular patrols but they rely on intelligence from the public in order to catch the culprits in the act.

,Councillor Bill Brown, who represents West Glenrothes and Kinglassie, told the Gazette: “It is very difficult to issue penalties.

‘‘However, there are more officers who can now issue penalties, so that will help.’’

He added: “By spraying the poo, the hope is that dog owners who do not pick up will realise that their dog’s mess is an issue to other people in the village. If this works, I would like to roll it out to other areas around Glenrothes to see if we can ‘train the owners.’’