A new campaign, “Pick It Up,” has been started by Torfaen Council to address the problem of dog owners not picking up their pet’s poo public areas.
The council has teamed up with local sports clubs, voluntary organisations, and schools to raise awareness of dog fouling incidents within communities. The aim is to inform residents and discourage such behavior.
Participating groups will also record instances of dog fouling, and this data will be shared with the council’s civil enforcement team.
As part of the council’s efforts, 200 dog poo deterrent packs have been created. These packs include “Pick it Up” banners, bin stickers, stencils, and chalk spray.
The Llantarnam Residents Conservation Society is among the first organisations to join the campaign.
Vice Chairwoman Bethan Lewis said: “We hope that by monitoring and highlighting dog fouling incidences in Oakfield Flower Gardens, in Cwmbran, we will increase awareness of the impact of dog fouling on other users of the gardens, particularly young children, and encourage the minority of dog owners that don’t clear up after their pets to do so.”
Cwmbran Celtic football club has also received a pack.
Steve Roberts, wolunteer for Cwmbran Celtic, said: “We try to look after the pitches as well as we can, but we do have a problem with dog fouling, which is why we are supporting the Pick It Up campaign.
“Please, if you are a dog owner pick up after your dogs and take it home to dispose of. None of our team members want to be stepping or falling in dog poo when training or playing in a match.”
Councillor Mandy Owen, executive member for the environment, said: “We hope the Pick It Up campaign will transform our pavements and public spaces into cleaner, safer, and more enjoyable areas. Stepping in dog poo is not only disgusting but also poses a significant risk to human health, so let’s work together to make a positive change.
“Hopefully, this campaign will encourage dog owners to be more responsible and prevent their dogs from fouling.”
Local councillors have also been provided with Pick It Up packs.
Get a Pick it Up pack
If you are a volunteer group, community group, sports club or school and want to join the Pick It Up campaign, email [email protected] for a free pack.
Failing to pick up after a dog that has fouled in a public place is a criminal offence and carries the risk of a £100 penalty.
Dog owners can put used dog poo bags in any litter bin in the borough.
Members of the public are asked to support the campaign by reporting dog fouling online or via the MyTorfaen app.
The Pick It Up campaign has been partly funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.