'Pet poo police' go undercover
Saturday, April 5, 2014 @ 9:23 PM
DOG-OWNERS who let their four-legged friends foul in public without picking it up face fines if they are caught by the town's 'pet detectives'.
Undercover officers wearing hidden cameras will patrol the streets of Colmenar Viejo (Madrid region) and take live footage of dogs doing their business – and if the walker does not clear up the mess, they will be fined up to 750 euros based upon the evidence.
Councillors say the clampdown on lazy dog-owners is 'nothing to do with clawing back cash' for public funds by increasing the number of fines it dishes out, but is in response to complaints by residents – including those who own dogs.
They are particularly concerned about people who fail to pick up after their pets in or near children's parks, since the parasites contained in dog-mess can cause infection or even blindness in humans.
To cover their backs legally, the council has posted signs around town warning dog-walkers that they are being watched, and have already sent professional actors dressed as detectives into the streets to explain to residents what will happen.
Some owners are 'too lazy' to clear up their dogs' business, say local authorities, whilst others find it 'disgusting' and prefer to leave it on the pavement.
Read more at thinkSPAIN.com