DOG fouling in one Flintshire village has been described as ‘out of control’.
Children arriving at Broughton Primary School are having to have their shoes cleaned by teachers while parents have found dog mess on their prams.
Broughton councillor David McFarlane, said: “The situation has got out of hand. We now have children having their shoes cleaned by teachers when they get to school.
“Parents are finding excrement on the wheels of their prams after the school run.
“This is throughout the village and it seems to have been escalating. We need deterrents and education is the best deterrent.
“We cannot continue to be reactive to this situation, which is county-wide, we need to educate people to the penalties they will incur if they allow their dogs to foul and not clean it up."
Flintshire Council has introduced tough powers to tackle dog fouling in the county, including £75 fines and increased patrols.
In recent months two dog owners have been successfully prosecuted by Flintshire Council.
Cllr McFarlane said: “After discussions with the dog warden, Broughton was classed as a hot spot.
“Prosecuting people and fining them heavily would appear to be the only option as asking people to be community minded and think of others is definitely not working.
“Do we have to wait until a child becomes ill or, heaven forbid, blinded by this anti-social epidemic?
“Wardens are doing a job under difficult circumstances.
"We all need to be alert and report anybody who we witness abusing the freedom to walk their pets."”
A spokesman for Flintshire Council, said: “We have been patrolling locations across the county on a regular basis and have also been speaking to people out walking their dogs to ensure they are carrying bags with them, as well as making them aware of the penalties should they fail to pick up after their dogs.
“In addition, ‘Dog Watch’ schemes have been implemented which involve local residents working together with the council and North Wales Police to patrol their own communities and/or pass on information about those who do not pick up after their dogs.
“Broughton is one of our established Dog Watch schemes, and since its introduction we have seen a notable reduction in incidences of dog fouling in the area.
“Lately however, incidences have started to increase again and as a result, the council have decided to increase patrols in this area and to step up engagement with local residents.
“Through this zero tolerance approach, it is anticipated that incidences of fouling will reduce.
“Anyone with any information about dog fouling should contact our team on 01352 703360 or via email: dogfouling@flintshire.gov.uk