Bag it then bin it - Poop Scoop Week
By katef1 | Monday, July 19, 2010, 15:56
Poop Scoop Week, July 26 – August 1, is a national campaign to say thank you to considerate dog owners and remind the irresponsible ones that dogs cannot pick up after themselves.
West Devon Borough Council, Devon and Cornwall Police and the Dogs Trust are urging dog owners to pick up the poop and help clean up our public spaces for a great summer outdoors.
While the majority of owners are responsible and pick up after their dog, a careless few are still giving dogs a bad name. Each year thousands of complaints are received by local authorities about dog mess littering public footpaths, grass areas and parks.
Recent community consultations found that uncontrolled dogs and dog fouling were among the subjects which cause members of the public the greatest concern.
Irresponsible dog owners letting their dogs leave their poop behind in our parks, on pavements and public spaces, is a problem which West Devon Borough Council and the Police are determined to tackle. Bag it and bin it, is the message. Cleaning up after a dog is simple and the only way of ensuring a summer free from the nuisance of pooch poop.
The bag can then be put in a dog-waste bin or taken home and disposed of in the domestic waste. Wrapped-up dog waste can also be put into a general litter bin if a specific dog-waste bin is not available.
Cllr Robert Sampson, Chairman of West Devon Borough Council’s Environment and Community Committee said: “We live in a wonderful environment in West Devon and, if every dog owner were to behave responsibly, we could all look forward to summer strolls and picnics in parks free from the worry of dog poop!
“Failing to pick up after your dog in the West Devon can result in an on-the-spot fine from the Police or the council’s dog wardens. Save yourself £50, pick up after your dog and enjoy the summer.
“There is a growing problem of dog waste in plastic bags being hung in trees, on railings or stuffed into hedgerows. This just litters the countryside and causes a problem for the people who have to clean it up! It is not enough to just bag it – bin it too. “
For more information visit www.westdevon.gov.uk or telephone Customer Services on 01822 813600.
Comments
Being a dog owner, I'm always so ashamed at seeing dog mess in public places and curse as strongly as anyone if I or any of our dogs tread in the stuff! Also, I can never quite understand why if people do bag it, they just leave it there. We've seen that on Dartmoor - as if the magic poo fairy is going to come along and make it disappear!! There is no need to leave any poo lying about, bagged or not. It's not brain surgery and even biodegradable poo bags are very cheap nowadays. We've bought online from this site for a few years now and get a box of 1000 for about £20 - bargain and very good service http://tinyurl.com/39wr9fr
and if you're not converted to biodegradable plastic, just think of those bits of plazi bags hanging around in hedgerows or caught up along the side of what should be beautiful riverbanks.
By WhitePig at 19:11 on 10/08/10
ReportGreat idea, but unfortunately it would cost a fortune. I don't know who would be in charge of over seeing this. The best punishment would surely be community service - picking up other peoples dog mess from community areas.
By lewis45 at 13:05 on 20/07/10
ReportThat's a good idea pobox112.
I'm conflicted between the big brother society we now live in, and dealing with people who are inconsiderate to others by letting their dogs foul public paths etc.
If only everyone had proper manners and there was no need for a DNA database. If only people were educated properly and knew of the health hazards
Wondering what would be the best punishment for failing to scoop up the poop?
By tony_murphy at 10:35 on 20/07/10
ReportWhen are we going to start and follow other Countries? Dogs have a simple DNA swab taken off them when they visit the Vet. That DNA is registered to the Owner of the Dog. When dog mess is found in the circumstances given. DNA it and take action against the Owner.
By pobox112 at 21:41 on 19/07/10
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