The southwestern French town where dog mess could cost owners 鈧�750
Bergerac has introduced 鈥榯he heaviest fine in the country鈥� to ensure its public spaces are 鈥榗lean and welcoming鈥�
The town of Bergerac has introduced fines of up to 鈧�750 for owners who do not clear up their dogs鈥� mess
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Dog owners in the town of Bergerac (Dordogne) could risk a fine of up to 鈧�750 if they do not clear up after their dogs.
This comes as a result of a new decree issued by the mayor in April, created in the hope of making the town 鈥渃lean and welcoming鈥�.
鈥淭he mayor [Jonathon Prioleaud] is responsible for ensuring public safety and cleanliness,鈥� the decree states.
It adds that: 鈥淧eople accompanied by a dog are obliged to immediately clear up the animal鈥檚 waste by any appropriate means鈥� in the street, in parks, gardens and other public spaces, and that those who do not will be subject to a 鈥渃lass four penalty.鈥�
This could mean a maximum fine of 鈧�750, according to the Code p茅nal.
鈥淚 think that this is probably the heaviest fine [for this type of infraction] in the country,鈥� Lo茂c Dombreval, Alpes-Maritimes MP and specialist in animal matters, told AFP.
鈥淒og mess can be a real curse in certain communes, and dogs and their owners end up being stigmatised.鈥�
In Bergerac, people with dogs must also carry 鈥渁t least two pet waste bags during daily walks. A fine of up to 鈧�38 will be applied if not.鈥� However, these bags are distributed for free in the town.
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