New campaign to report dog-fouling
A new campaign is being launched to clear Telford and Wrekin of dog mess, but we can only do it with your help.
Telford & Wrekin Council is offering more free dog poo bags than ever before at more than fifty venues across the borough, making it even easier for owners to clear up after their pets.
It’s also appealing to members of the public to report those irresponsible owners who don’t.
The latest campaign is the idea of Newport Councillor Peter Scott. He said: “There have been previous campaigns where dog mess was sprayed a bright colour to highlight the extent of the problem. They led to significant reductions in the amount of dog mess left on the ground.
“Recently, I have seen dog mess near schools and outside shops. I have cleaned it up myself and I don’t even have a dog. Now, we need the help of the responsible majority to tell the irresponsible minority that this is no longer acceptable.
Cllr Richard Overton, Telford & Wrekin Council’s Cabinet Member for Enforcement said: “There are many dog owners who always clear up after their pets. Some even go out of their way to clear up after animals that aren’t theirs. However, there are some who leave the mess behind.
“If you see it happening, please let us know. Give us as much information as you can, including times, dates, places. A vehicle registration number would be useful if they come by car for a walk and leave dog mess behind.
“Our enforcement officers will investigate all reports of environmental crime, including dog-fouling. Together with our dog warden, we will give owners the opportunity first to clean up. We’ll even give them free bags to do it with.
“The bags aren’t expensive to buy but we now have 52 venues across the borough giving them away for free. There really is no excuse for not picking up the mess.
“Ultimately, we would have to resort to fining anyone who refuses to clear up after their dog. This would be a Fixed Penalty Notice of £50. Failure to pay that could lead to a maximum fine of £2,500.”
The full list of venues offering free dog poo bags can be found here: http://www.telford.gov.uk/dogfouling . If you would like to stock free bags, call 01952 384384 or email envmaintcs@telford.gov.uk
Report dog-fouling through our website www.telford.gov.uk/report or via the Everyday Telford app.
