The scourge of dog fouling is once again being highlighted in a new Angus Council leaflet assault on irresponsible owners.
Never far from the top of the league of residents’ dislikes, almost 60% of 2,000 Angus respondents in a recent community survey highlighted dog fouling as a problem in their area.
And council waste workers have the unpleasant task of scooping up an average of 2,000 poops a month.
The dog dirt issue led Forfar primary pupil Sophie-Ann Robson to launch her own campaign against irresponsible owners, with what began as a presentation to the town’s community council leading on to recognition from the Keep Scotland Beautiful Campaign for her determination to stamp out the problem.
Sophie-Ann’s anger over the mess around Whitehills Primary also stretched out to a poster competition for children, and she has now been involved in the production of the new leaflet which delivers the ‘Any Bin Will Do’ message to dog owners.
Angus Council vice-convener of communities, Councillor Jeanette Gaul said: “Although dog fouling is fundamentally the responsibility of dog owners, the council recognises it has a part to play in tackling this problem and we want to ensure that dog owners act responsibly and clear up after their dog.
“This leaflet aims to outline the law and be a guide to dog owners on what their responsibilities and duties are. It is also designed to help members of the public wanting to report incidents of dog fouling.
“Dog fouling is one of the most common and unpleasant types of ‘litter’ and it is important to remember that if a dog waste bin is not readily available, you can use any litter bin or take it home and put it in your refuse bin,” added Mrs Gaul.
“I’m delighted to be working with Sophie-Ann in taking this work forward as her work has already made a difference.”
The leaflet is available on the council’s website and in all council ACCESS offices, libraries, sports and leisure centres and in key areas across Angus where the council is targeting persistent dog fouling.
Photo by Photos on Location