Perth and Kinross Council has confirmed it has received less complaints about dog fouling since it stopped providing free poo bags.
And the council reckons tougher action on dog owners is the main reason for the reduction in complaints.
The end to the provision of free dog waste bags was decided at this year’s budget and came into force at the start of April, causing uproar across Perth and Kinross.
This week, Conservative councillor and environment and infrastructure committee convener Angus Forbes, revealed he had surprisingly received no complaints about dog fouling since the council stopped providing free dog waste bags.
He said: “I used to receive complaints about dog fouling at least once a week.
“Since we stopped supplying bags, I have not had a single complaint.”
A spokesperson for PKC said: “Since the start of the financial year 2017/18 we have noted a downward trend in the number of dog fouling complaints being made to the council, which has thus far continued into 2019/20.
“At the moment, we consider it is too early to draw a meaningful conclusion about any impact from the withdrawal of free dog waste bag provision.
“More widely, we believe however that the option for staff to issue fixed penalty notices to people failing to clear up properly after their dogs, coupled with the 2016 increase in the fine amount from £40 to £80, has had a positive effect.
“Additionally, we recognise that the majority of dog owners in Perth and Kinross do act responsibly and ensure they bag and bin their pet’s poo.”
