Zero tolerance dog poo crackdown squad now on patrol

Dog walkers who let their pets foul on the street are being hounded down by Britain’s first crack team of anti-poo wardens. The 22-strong Dog Squad has been set up in Islington, North London, to bite back against messy pups and their selfish owners.

Undercover and plain clothes enforcers hit the streets this month – and residents are being asked to snitch on repeat offenders by calling a "shop a dropper" hotline. Those caught failing to clear up after their beloved pet are now being slapped with an £80 fine. Islington Councillor Paul Smith said: "Residents are sick of dog mess, and we're taking strong action against irresponsible owners.



“Dog-fouling is anti-social and there's no excuse. There will be zero tolerance for those who refuse to do the right thing. Our Dog Squad is targeting hot spots, and there will be fines and court action for anyone caught letting their dog foul our community." The Dog Squad wardens work undercover and in uniform, and they are even releasing updates on penalties and patrols via Twitter.

But opposition Liberal Democrat councillor Greg Foxsmith pooh-poohed the scheme. “Never in the history of street cleaning has so much been paid by so many for poo. In a few weeks’ time, when the money has been squandered and the contract is over, the streets of Islington will once again be paved with dog mess.”