Stonnington Council could use CCTV to catch and fine dog owners who fail to pick up

LAZY dog owners who don’t pick up after their pets in Toorak and Prahran will be be targeted by Stonnington Council, which is planning a CCTV crackdown to catch them in the act.

DOG owners who don’t pick up after their pets in Toorak, Prahran and other well-heeled suburban parks could be stung a whopping $317, with a council planning a CCTV crackdown.

People could be stung $317 if they and their pets are caught on the council’s existing network of CCTV cameras, with Toorak Village and Princes Gardens expected to be specific targets.

Dog owners face big fines for not cleaning up after their dogs at the You Yangs

The idea, which comes after a flood of complaints from residents, was welcomed by Toorak Village Traders Association president Tony Fialides.

“Anything that keeps the area clean is a good thing,” Mr Fialides said.

“I clean up often enough for it to be a nuisance and I always wonder why people don’t clean after their own dogs.”

Renai Dwyer and Rebecca Farrugia at Victoria Gardens in Prahran.

Mr Fialides believed the use of CCTV will be an “effective prevention”.

“Most people who do crimes don’t care if they’re on camera but I reckon dog owners are the opposite as they would probably be embarrassed to be caught and more will clean up as a result,” he said.

Stonnington Cr Matthew Koce is recommending the idea. Picture: Paul Loughnan

The Orwellian measure was one of several recommendations introduced by North Ward councillor Matthew Koce, who said the doggy-do issue was becoming a serious problem.

“I am receiving more complaints from residents, particularly in Hawksburn, Glenferrie Road and Toorak Village, about people not cleaning up after their dog,” he said.

Other preventive measures introduced by Cr Koce, which council officers will explore, include informational signage at dogs off-leash parks and gardens and ease of access to dog waste bags in activity centres.