That’s the message from the outgoing Chairman of East Cambridgeshire District Council, Cllr Tony Parramint as he says enough is enough to dog owners who let their animals foul Soham without clearing it up.

The issue of dog fouling is a frequently raised in Neighbourhood Panel meetings and is rated as serious anti social behaviour creating real public health concerns.

In Soham, the issue has become a personal concern for Cllr Parramint and one he wanted to highlight in his last days in office.

Cllr Tony Paramint said: "As a grandparent, I am very lucky to have the opportunity to walk my grandchildren to school in the morning. It is on these short walks that I see for myself the utter selfishness of a minority of dog owners who leave their animals mess on public pavements. No resident in Soham should have to tiptoe around paths in our town because of a few people can’t be bothered to clean up after their dogs.

"This is an issue not just for Soham but for the whole of the district as the inactions of a minority affect so many. With over 200 dog bins around East Cambridgeshire and the knowledge that bagged dog waste can also be deposited in litter bins, where there is no dog bin available, there is little excuse for anyone not to pick up their dog’s waste.

"As one one of the most obvious examples of anti social behaviour that can blight our lives and damage people’s health, I would encourage anyone who sees dog walkers not clearing up after their pets to get in touch with the Council. They should provide details of the person responsible, where and when the fouling is happening for them to investigate to help keep our streets clean."

Dog waste contains a number of bacteria including Campylobacter and Salmonella as well as infections caused by the roundworm Toxocara canis.

The fine for failing to pick up dog mess is a £50 fixed penalty, which can rise to £1,000 for persistent offenders.

To report problems with dog fouling or provide details of offenders please call on 01353 665555 or visit www.eastcambs.gov.uk