Summerland residents who do not pick up after their dog will have to pay up — possibly up to $100.
Bylaw officer Gary Ellis said council has discussed raising the fine for failing to scoop up doggie poop from the current rate of $50 to $100.
“It is fairly significant fine,” said Ellis.
He made that comment after the Review had received complaints from citizens about canine litter marking local sidewalks, particularly but not exclusively in the downtown core.
While Ellis hasn’t fine yet anybody, he has issued about 10 warnings over 30 years.
Yet he will not hesitate to fine some one for a second offence following a warning.
The heftier fines could come into effect later this year. Mayor Janice Perrino said dog owners must take responsibility for their animals.
“As a dog owner myself, I always take a bag for scooping his feces when we’re out for our walks,” she said.
“It’s part of the responsibility of being a dog owner. And to showcase our beautiful community every dog owner must be respectful of public property.”