Torfaen Council is urging dog owners to do the right thing and pick up after their pets as part of a new national campaign from Keep Wales Tidy.

Although an estimated nine out of ten dog owners pick up after their pets, dog poo remains a persistent issue in communities across the country. Keep Wales Tidy’s campaign aims to raise awareness of the health risks associated with dog poo; not just for humans but also for livestock and other pets.

Dog poo that’s left behind can carry harmful bacteria which can remain in the soil long after it has decomposed.

The nationwide campaign is being run as part of Caru Cymru (a Welsh phrase meaning ‘Love Wales’) – an inclusive movement led by Keep Wales Tidy and local authorities to inspire people to take action and care for the environment.

Bright pink posters

Bright pink posters will appear across Torfaen to encourage owners to pick up their dog’s mess.

Councillor Mandy Owen, Executive Member for the Environment, said: “We are encouraging everyone to get behind this campaign so we can keep Torfaen a clean place to live and visit. We would like to say thank you to the responsible dog owners for picking up their dog poo. It’s not a pleasant job, but very important.

“Unfortunately, there is still a small proportion of dog owners who don’t pick up after their dogs, so we are asking them to start picking up. There are dog poo bins located throughout the borough so they don’t have to take the poo home. We are trying to make it as easy as we can to dispose of dog poo, but we need the help of dog owners to keep the borough clean.”

Keep Wales Tidy Chief Executive Lesley Jones said: “We’re excited to be launching this important campaign with our local authority partners. As a nation of dog lovers, we should all be aware that dog poo isn’t just an unpleasant mess, it can be dangerous.

“We’re urging the small minority of irresponsible dog owners to do the right thing. By not picking up after your dog, you could be putting people, livestock, and our beloved pets at risk. Please bag it, bin it and leave only pawprints when you’re out and about.”

People in Torfaen and across Wales are being encouraged to join the new campaign. Visit Keep Wales Tidy’s website to find out more and download free materials.

Caru Cymru has received funding through the Welsh Government Rural Communities – Rural Development Programme 2014-2020, which is funded by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development and the Welsh Government.

Get a dog poo bin in your area

If you would like to request a dog poo bin in your area contact 01495 762200 or email [email protected]