Clean up, for dogs’ sake

DOG owners in Casey are urged to take the lead after a spate of complaints to City of Casey Council about dogs not being on a leash at all times and owners not cleaning up after their pets.
Casey mayor Lorraine Wreford said responsible pet ownership meant dogs registered with up-to-date contact details, obeying the various laws when exercising dogs and having them appropriately restrained and under control at all times.
Dog owners face a penalty of $119 if they are found with their animal off lead in a public place, except in parks and reserves where they are allowed to run free. But even then they must still be under effective control and not within 20 metres of a playground.
City of Casey community safety manager Caroline Bell said dog walkers who did not clean up after their pets were contributing to health and environmental hazards.
“Nowadays, it is accepted that cleaning up after dogs is part of being a responsible pet owner, regardless of whether it is in your backyard, on the nature strip, or in a local park,” said Ms Bell.
“We are reminding residents to carry a receptacle and clean up after their dog if it soils in the streets.
“Dog poo in our streets, parks and reserves is smelly, unsightly, has a negative impact on the environment and is generally unpleasant for everyone.”
Dog owners might be fined $200 for not carrying a receptacle for picking up their pet’s litter.