What are dog related problems and who is responsible for causing them?

Fortunately, most dog owners are responsible for their pets and considerate to their neighbours. It is the irresponsible minority who cause the following problems:
FOULING: Irresponsible dog owners allow their dogs to foul in public places without cleaning up.
STRAYS: Irresponsible dog owners allow their dogs to stray causing a nuisance to people and a hazard to motorists.
NOISE: Irresponsible dog owners let their dogs bark unnecessarily causing annoyance to neighbours.
CONTROL: Irresponsible dog owners do not keep their dogs under proper control when in public places.

The Dog Wardens, based in the Environmental Services Department, are in the front line in the fight against irresponsible dog ownership. The aims of the service are:
To encourage dog owners to clear up after their pets. To patrol streets and public places.
Collecting stray dogs
and responding to other dog related problems.
To educate today's youngsters into tomorrow's responsible owners.
To raise public awareness about responsible dog ownership.
To provide an information and advisory service for the public on dog related matters.
Where appropriate take enforcement action.

What can we do to combat the problems associated with irresponsible dog ownership?

We need the support of responsible dog owners to report to the Dog Warden any problems caused by irresponsible dog owners. Such information is treated with the strictest confidence.

Dog owners Code of Conduct Clean up after your dog in any place to which the public have access.
Ensure your garden is cleared of dog mess daily.
Ensure that your dog is wearing an owner identification tag. It is a legal requirement for owners to ensure that their dogs wear such tags whenever in a public place. Don't allow your dog to stray.Think of the danger not only to the dog but also to motorists and others.
Ensure you register your dog with a vet.
Have your dog treated for worms, fleas, and any illnesses regularly by your local vet.
Don't allow any unnecessary barking to disturb your neighbours. Make proper arrangements for the care of your dog when you are away.
In the countryside, keep your dog under control. Farmers can shoot dogs found worrying livestock.
When in public places, keep your dog under control. Train your dog.
Take your pet to obedience classes. An obedient dog is a credit to its owner.

Owning a dog is a long-term commitment and one that will include effort as well as pleasure. Ensure that you are prepared for this commitment before you purchase or obtain a dog. Don't give a dog as a present unless you are sure that the receiver is fully prepared for such a commitment.

Report incidents or problems associated with irresponsible dog ownership to the Dog Warden