Staff absences at Dundee City Council due to self-isolation have led to overflowing dog waste bins around the city, sparking fears for public health.
The problem has been observed at the beach front in Broughty Ferry, Panmurefield, Guthrie Terrace, Baxter Park and the green area between Marlee Road and Torridon Road.
@DundeeCouncil I know times are a bit crazy just now but the state of this dog waste bin in Panmurefield needs to be sorted; all of them are the same. It’s only a matter of time before these become a public health hazard too (if not already). pic.twitter.com/IJLVzVT2o8
— Stuart Poynton (@sapoynton) April 1, 2020
Liberal Democrat councillor Craig Duncan said he has contacted neighbourhood services before the situation becomes a “public health issue”.
He also appealed for people to be patient as the council is dealing with increased demand on services and urged dog walkers to use litter bins.
Mr Duncan said: “The council right now is struggling with a huge amount of absences. People are either self-isolating because they’re ill or because someone in their family is showing symptoms of Covid-19.
“It means the council are playing catch-up with a lot of routine things, such as emptying dog bins.
“I’ve reported the issue to the council and to be fair they’re trying to sort it as quickly as possible.”
He added: “It’s important people still pick up after their dog but if they see a dog bin is full then either use a regular bin or even take it home and put it in your own outside bin”.
A Dundee City Council spokeswoman said the local authority is working hard to ensure dog waste bins were being emptied in “unprecedented times”.
She added: “While we are working hard to ensure dog waste bins are emptied, Covid-19 is causing disruption to services.
“We would ask dog owners to be responsible when disposing of any waste, using nearby litter bins in addition to dog waste bins.
“Council staff are working hard to deliver services to the people of Dundee in the face of major challenges and we would ask people for their patience and understanding at what is obviously a difficult time for everyone.
