HOW MUCH IS THAT DOG DIRT ON THE PAVEMENT?
A FOUL-UP by council chiefs has sparked a canine conundrum in Horbury over attempts to clamp down on dog mess.
Dog lovers have been careful to stick to the right-hand side of Westfield Road as they face a fine of just 20 if their dog is caught short. But if their pet makes a mess on the opposite pavement they could face a whopping 1,000 penalty.
The doggie double-standards arose after Wakefield Council pledged to get tough and increase the fines for irresponsible owners letting their dogs foul public places.
But in some areas new signs warning of the increase have been put up while the old signs have also remained in place.
John Lockwood, who regularly walks his dog Basil along Westfield Road, said: "I suppose you could say it's another fine mess by the council.
"I'm not saying the local authority is stupid – it's just that we have to keep to the right-hand side of the road if we want to save 980. The money saved would buy Basil lots of dog treats."
Mr Lockwood added: "I have never actually been fined because I take a bag with me anyway.
"Before I used to walk Basil I always complained about dog fouling, we have grandchildren who play outside. The majority of people in Horbury, do however, clean it up.
"I do see the humourous side though, we call it the funny side of the street."
Wakefield council environmental protection manager Phil Healey said: "We felt it would be a waste of resources to tear down many hundreds of existing signs which give the same 'clear up after your dog' message but show a smaller fine."
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Weather for Wakefield
Saturday 04 February 2012
Today
Heavy snow
Temperature: -1 C to 2 C
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