Dogsey

EAST Lothian Council is considering plans to microchip every dog in the county, free of charge, in an effort to crackdown on dog fouling.

A report before the council’s policy and performance review committee last week revealed the move was one inititiative being considered by partnership and communities services.

Local amenity officer Carl Howman said it would mean stray dogs could be identified and returned to owners with a warning.

He added: “If they stray a second time they will be taken to the cat and dog home, and the owners will have to pay to get them back.”

A report on dog fouling to the committee revealed that there had been 197 fines issued to owners caught not cleaning up after their pets since legislation was introduced in 2004.

But Mr Howman said while most offenders learned their lesson quickly, it had become an expensive exercise for one stubborn owner.

He said: “One owner in Musselburgh received a total of 10 fines as it became a bit of a personal battle. In the end it cost him about £1,000 in unpaid fines.

“Most, however, learn after the first or second time they are caught."

Last year only seven pet owners received fines for not cleaning up after their dogs, despite the council recording 347 dog fouling complaints.