I am writing in response to the recent readers’ letters about dog fouling.

It is a subject I and many others find totally unacceptable and totally disgusting.

Part of dog owners’ responsibility is to ensure they clean up after their dogs. This is not optional, it is the law.

I have spoken with the local dog warden, and he told me failure to pick up your dog’s mess is punishable by an £80 fine, and that on any open space it is against the law not to pick it up.

I have had several run-ins with people who walk their dogs on the field outside my house, and they come up with any excuse not to pick it up.

One is that it is not against the law, but readers can be assured that it is against the law not to pick it up!

The problem seems to have now reached an all-time peak and it is disgusting to have to pick your way along the footpaths.

When we have children, there is not a get-out clause that allows you to leave dirty nappies on the pavements, and it is not different when you have to pick up your dog’s mess.

Dog wardens can only be in one place at a time, so it would aid them if you see a dog owner persistently leaving their dog’s mess behind, then report it to the warden.

If you dare, you could ask the owner to pick it up, but this can result in aggression, although it should be the owner who feels embarrassed.

If you are a responsible owner, then this letter does not apply to you. But for every one that is responsible, it seems there are many more who are not.

If your dog leaves behind an unwanted gift that you don’t pick up, maybe next time you will receive unwanted gift of an £80 fine.

Mark Head

Primrose Walk
Maldon