§ Mr. Kirkwoodasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what plans he has to reduce the public health risks from dog mess.
§ Mr. AncramThe Government fully shares the widespread concern about the nuisance and health risks caused by dogs fouling public places, and it is an offence in Scotland for a person in charge of a dog to allow it to deposit its excrement in certain places. The Government are considering what further steps may be taken to encourage dog owners to behave responsibly, and will make an announcement in due course.
§ Mr. Kirkwoodasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he has any plans to seek to increase the criminal penalties imposed on dog owners whose dogs foul pavements; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. AncramAllowing a dog to foul a pavement, or certain other areas, is an offence under section 48(1) of the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982, which originally provided for a maximum fine of £50. By virtue of the provisions of the Criminal Justice Act 1982, that maximum fine is now expressed as a fine not exceeding level 2 of the standard scale. The value of fines on the standard scale was increased by order in 1984, and level 2 now stands at £100. There is no current proposal to increase the value of fines further, but the matter is kept under constant review.