Fouling fine increased

The fixed penalty for dog fouling is being increased from £40 to £80 to bring it in to line with the fine for littering. It will take effect on April 1 across the country, including here in Dumfries and Galloway. The Government is also considering how to develop a more robust system to tackle the issue of collecting unpaid penalties. Minister for Community Safety and Legal Affairs Paul Wheelhouse, said: "We believe the increased penalty will act as a greater deterrent for people who do not take responsibility for their pets and clean up after them."