By Cam Lucadou-Wells
Casey Council’s war on dog faeces has shocked responsible dog owners.
The council is set to slap $500 fines on dog owners who don’t pick up their pet’s deposits – in response to “strong community feedback”.
Dogs Victoria chief executive Tim Adams was not surprised the issue generated such a storm.
“No-one likes stepping in dog waste.
“It’s becoming increasingly accepted by dog-owners that picking up after their dogs is the right thing to do.”
Mr Adam said a “softer” community message campaign might get a better response.
“I don’t know how they would enforce fines. It would be resource-intensive.”
The $500 fine is higher than being caught for potentially more catastrophic offences, such as driving while using a mobile phone or speeding between 25-29 km/h over the limit.
Trudy Jensen, of Berwick dog-walking business Wags and Walks thought the pricing was “a bit expensive”.
“I can’t see them catching anyone, as much as it might deter people.
“That said, it’s nasty when you go into a park and there’s crap everywhere.”
Crap wasn’t a huge problem at the popular dog-walking haunt of Sweeney Reserve, Ms Jensen observed.
People brought their own bags but it would be handy if Casey Council backed up the hardline act with poop-bag dispensers and rubbish bins, she said.
“Personally, I’d rather they made the fines for people with barking dogs at night.”
For the record, owners of animals making unreasonable noise face fines of $300.
Casey mayor Geoff Ablett said residents felt “very strongly” about the dog waste issue.
“People are fed up with pet owners not taking responsibility for picking up after their pets.
“It’s common courtesy to the rest of the community.
“We’re working hard to create Australia’s most liveable city, and a big part of that is ensuring our public places can be enjoyed and are kept clean for everyone.”
Cr Ablett said the onus was on dog owners to take a bag. Being caught without a bag is worth a $200 fine.
“Our officers are not going to be unreasonable and will exercise common sense, and our focus is more around education than enforcement.
“The laws will be enforced on complaint and by undertaking pro-active patrols. Our local laws officers will continue to attend community events and shows and educate people on the relevant laws.”
The $500 fine comes into effect on 1 January.
