Police will 'spy' on dog walkers
POLICE CCTV operators have been instructed to "spy" on dog walkers and fine owners whose animals foul in the street.
Surrey Police was this week accused of Big Brother tactics following the move, which could see offenders issued with Fixed Penalty Notices.
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Despite concerns being raised with police about dog fouling in Merstham, residents have slammed the "heavy-handed" response.
Dog-owner Sarah Nicholls, 35, a student from Worsted Green, Merstham, said: "We have people being burgled and assaulted around here. This is a waste of money.
"They can't watch burglars and dog-walkers at the same time. And even if they see something happening, are they going to send a squad car out to deal with it? They will never find them.
"It's a catch-22. Yes, we want the problem solved, but this isn't the way to do it. It's an invasion of our space and privacy."
Sandy Embling, 46, of Delabole Road, Merstham, said: "It is an issue. I'm forever saying 'mind the dog mess' to the kids. But there are better ways to deal with this."
Residents had complained about dogs fouling in Portland Drive and Nailsworth Crescent for months and campaigned for cleaner streets.
Surrey Police defended the move, however. Merstham Neighbourhood Specialist Officer PC Hannah Vincent said: "Dog fouling in Merstham is a real concern for residents and an issue that, together with our partners, we are committed to tackling.
"We will speak with anyone caught not clearing up after their dog, and will not hesitate to issue Fixed Penalty Notices to persistent offenders.
"CCTV will be able to help us with this task. However, I would ask members of the Merstham community to work with us. Together we can ensure the area is a safe and pleasant place to live."
Big Brother Watch director Alex Deane lambasted the police and said he thought the policy went far too far.
He told the Mirror: "CCTV operators hunched over monitors for hours, trying to spot dogs doing what comes naturally – can anyone imagine a better example of our intrusive big brother society?
"CCTV is often installed on the basis that it's for catching criminals, and then gets used to make money from drivers instead.
"But this is even worse – Surrey Police are wasting their time snooping on dogs and their owners when they should be out stopping crime."
Comments
by Desmond, Tipton West Midlands
Monday, August 30 2010, 11:13AM
“Good for the Police to 'spy' on dog walkers who allow their pets to foul the pavement and do not clean up the mess. We have the same problem here but such measures have not been taken - I wish they would. I do agree that maybe the main object of police 'spying' should be on more serious crime however, dog fouling is a crime maybe a lesser one but a crime just the same. Although most people with pets do have a great affection for them, it is a pity that they do not, in many cases, have any consideration for humans who may be affected by fouling by their dogs the mess gets on ones shoes and is sometimes carried into the house making a very unpleasent smell and soiling carpets, many older people have been injured by slipping on the mess, and there is indeed a health hazard to children who play in parks and may come into contact with left foulings. Surely animal owners can be considerate and clean up any mess - but it appears many have no intention of doing so.”