A community Dog Watch scheme has been launched in Nantwich, with the backing of a local veterinary centre.
Nantwich South and Stapeley councillors Peter Groves and Andrew Martin hope it will encourage responsible dog ownership and crackdown on fouling on streets and footpaths.
The scheme will be run from the Stapeley Community Hall on Pear Tree Field, where residents have lodged complaints about dog fouling.
And it has the support of Hillside Veterinary Centre, based on Crewe Road, Nantwich, who have donated hundreds of ‘poo bag dispensers’ for distribution to dog walkers.
The councillors, Hillside nurse Bev Richards and Cheshire East environmental warden Tim Beckett, have put up “Dog Watch” signs in the Stapeley area.
They handed out leaflets and wallet-sized cards containing contact phone numbers so residents can report dog fouling incidents, any stray dogs, discuss dog-related issues and other council services.
Cllr Groves (pictured, right) said: “Complaints about dog fouling are among the most common reason for residents to contact their ward councillor.
“The council often gets criticised for the small number of penalty notices it gives out for dog fouling, but most residents would understand our wardens are unlikely to be ‘on the spot’ to witness every incidence.
“That’s why we need to work proactively with our residents to address the growing problem.
“Everyone who has taken the time to stop and speak to us about Dog Watch, has been very pleased we are doing something to try to reduce the problem of dog fouling.
“They have also suggested other areas close by that would benefit from Dog Watch.”
Cllr Martin added: “I have a dog of my own called Barney and, while I am out walking him, other dog owners often grumble about the amount of dog mess in certain parts of our local area.
“The idea of Dog Watch was mentioned to me by a fellow dog walker who was keen to see us implement an initiative, to tackle the problem in a positive way.”
Vet Nurse Bev Richards said: “Picking up after your dog helps us to have clean and safe places for everyone to enjoy whether you are a dog owner or not.
“We are happy to donate the ‘poo bag dispensers’. We would like to think most dog owners already carry poo bags and we would also hope all owners have their dogs microchipped, so their pet can be returned to them if it gets lost or strays.”
Environmental warden Tim Beckett added: “The area around the Stapeley Community Hall is the ideal area to start this scheme as it is widely used by children, families, walkers and dog walkers.”
To report a dog fouling incident, report a straying dog or to discuss dog related issues call 0300 123 5021. For all other enquiries 0300 123 5500.
Walked my two children to the park on saturday and the ‘track’ that runs through Stapeley estate was littered with dog mess. It was challenge trying to get my boys down there without stepping in any of it. Dog owners who dont clean up their dogs mess should be ashamed of themselves.
This campaign is clearly not working and the signs are being ignored – the council should put leaflets through the doors of all the houses on the estate explaining more about Dog Watch and the fine that will be incurred if caught leaving dog mess on the pavement… Although I would be interested to see how many times this ‘fine’ has actually been inforced