The number of dog fouling complaints made to Argyll and Bute Council by people living in Helensburgh and Lomond shot up in the first three months of 2020, a new report has revealed.

Data on the performance of various council departments, prepared for a meeting of the Helensburgh and Lomond area committee this week, reveals that the number of complaints rose from 18 in the three months from October to December, to 25 in January, February and March – a rise of 38.8 per cent.

Across Argyll and Bute the number of dog fouling complaints rose from 59 to 74 over the same period – a figure branded “unacceptable” in the performance report.

The official who prepared the report said in a comment next to the Helensburgh and Lomond dog fouling statistics: “It is hoped that in the coming months we will see a significant reduction in cases as the service is very much aware of the public's perception surrounding this issue.”

READ MORE: Fury at irresponsible owners over rise in dog fouling at Helensburgh Cemetery

On the Argyll and Bute increase, the council official added: “This is unacceptable and the service will arrange for additional patrols when resources permit.

“The reduction in the number of amenity enforcement wardens from nine FTEs (full-time equivalent) to four will have had an effect on the increase in complaints, as there will have been an obvious reduction on patrols therefore less visibility as a deterrent.

“The other reasons for the increase could be down to poor dog ownership, and with the dark nights, some dog owners are less reluctant to clean up after their dogs.”

The figures will be considered by Helensburgh and Lomond councillors when they meet via video link this Thursday, September 17.

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