Dog fouling crackdown issues two fines in two months

A scheme set up to crackdown on dog fouling in Aberdeen has issued just two on-the-spot fines in its first two months, it has emerged.

The city council brought in private firm National Enforcement Solutions (NES) to help it deal with a rise in complaints about people not cleaning up after their pets.

Aberdeen City Council has confirmed to BBC Scotland News that between 12 February - when the initiative launched - and 14 April, two £80 fixed penalties were handed out.

But the same scheme has issued 855 fines for littering, with a total of £38,880 paid.

A council spokesman said: "Two dog fouling fixed penalty notices have been issued.

"£160 has been paid."

Speaking at the time of the launch of the service in February, councillor Martin Greig said he did not have an exact figure for the cost of bringing in NES.

He said the scheme had all been "duly costed".

Mr Greig added that it was "an appropriate investment" to improve the city.

It is now been more than 20 years since the Dog Fouling Scotland Act was introduced, giving police and the council powers to deal with the issue.