CLEANING UP OUR ACT
Dog fouling, litter and dumped rubbish are starting to blight the landscape in Moorfield. This is as a consequence of irresponsible actions by some residents of the area. In turn, this may have the knock on effect of making the area a less desirable place to live, which can be reflected in property prices. Council residents may be in breach of their conditions of tenancy, which may result in the Council seeking possession of your property. In addition, YOU as a Council Tax payer pick up the cost of clearing up after people who allow their dog to foul, drop litter, or dump rubbish.
Dog Fouling
The Dogs (Fouling of Land) Act 1996 makes it an offence for a person in charge of a dog to fail to clean up after it has fouled. Always make sure that you have the means to clean up after your dog when you take it for a walk, and that you dispose of the droppings by placing them in a dog bin or taking them home with you.
What can happen if you don't clean up after your dog?
You can be fined up to £1000
You spoil the enjoyment of the environment for yourself and others
You run the risk of spreading Toxocariasis, which can lead to eye damage and blindness as well as other symptoms. There is no cure for this disease once it has developed. Studies show that approximately 2% of the population are infected with this disease, with children at the greatest risk from contracting it. Is your dog regularly wormed? Could this be you?
What can I do to help?
· ALWAYS clear up after your dog
· Make sure you regularly worm your dog
· Report anyone you see failing to remove dog fouling to Contact Harlow, on 01279 446655, giving as much detail as possible to assist Council Enforcement Officers to take action against the person
YOUR DOG CAN'T CLEAN UP IT'S OWN MESS, SO YOU HAVE TO.
YOUR DOG CAN'T PAY THE FINE, SO YOU WILL HAVE TO.
PLEASE CLEAN IT UP!!!
Litter and Dumped rubbish
The Environmental Protection Act 1990 makes it a criminal offence to drop litter or to fly tip waste on land.
What can happen if I drop litter or dump waste?
YOU can be fined up to £2500 for dropping litter.
YOU can be sentenced to a fine of £50,000 and/or up to 12 months imprisonment for dumping rubbish.
YOU spoil the environment for yourself and others
What can I do to help?
· Always dispose of your litter responsibly, either in a litterbin, or if there isn’t one nearby, take it home with you.
· Always put your waste out as near to the collection time as possible, and ensure that it is securely fastened, so it cannot be blown about.
· The Council will collect certain items other than your normal household waste free of charge. Please call Contact Harlow on 01279 446655 for more information and to arrange for collection.
· Report anyone you see dropping litter or dumping rubbish to Contact Harlow on 01279 446655, giving as much detail as possible to assist Council Enforcement Officers to take action against the person.
What are the Council doing about this?
Harlow Council has appointed 2 Investigation and Enforcement Officers to tackle issues such as these. These Officers will respond to complaints received, and will carry out patrols of known ‘hot-spots to deal with offenders. They will be taking a strong line against those who have no respect for the environment in which we live. They will also have a range of other resources to turn to, including the use of covert CCTV in certain areas.
They do, however, need your help.
DON’T turn a blind eye to it. It DOES affect you, in one way or another.
Report offenders to the Contact Harlow on 01279 446655
Make sure that YOU are not the one under investigation.
This is OUR TOWN. Please look after it