Irresponsible Dunblane dog owners will be left with red fa(e)ces if they don’t clean up after their pooches.
The local community council is trying new shock tactics to get dog walkers to pick up after their pets by spraying dog mess deposited in parks and open spaces with bright red paint.
The community council, which is being supported by Stirling Council’s land services, was inspired by Polmaise Community Council’s campaign to patrol the village and spray any dog mess with the paint to raise awareness and embarrass those who don’t clean up after their pets.
The community council will display posters from the council’s award-winning Bag it and Bin it campaign and will hand out leaflets and dog poop bags to pet owners to highlight the problem blighting beauty spots.
Community councillor John Alexander said: “The community council is determined to get on top of the dog mess in and around the town. With the support of the council, who provided the paint and publicity material, we hope people will start taking responsibility for their dog’s mess and bag it and bin it.
“Any bin will do, even your grey bin at home or a public litter bin, as long as it’s bagged.”
Stirling Council environment convener Danny Gibson congratulated the community council on its commitment to tackling the issue.
“Our land services team, animal control officers and community wardens will help and support the community council where possible to challenge the irresponsible behaviour of dog owners who feel it’s not their responsibility to pick up their dog’s mess.”
The council is warning dog owners who don’t pick up their pet’s poo that they may be fined up to £60.
A land services spokesperson said: “We fully support the community council in their efforts to rid the town and parks of this terrible blight and we would encourage dog walkers to Bag it and Bin it by taking it home and putting it in their grey wheelie bin. If they happen to pass a street litter bin or dog bin on the way, the bag can be put in one of these.”