Bag it and bin it - dog fouling campaign steps up
Published on 18th June 2012
Sandwell Council has teamed up with the Dogs Trust and urged pet owners to 'Bag it and Bin it'.
The campaign is part of national Poop Scoop Week and aims to makes sure people pick up after their dogs and keep public spaces in the Sandwell clean.
As part of Poop Scoop Week, wardens have been patrolling the borough's dog fouling hot spots to provide owners with help and advice.
The annual campaign, which complements the council's ongoing crackdown on dog fouling, has also seen free poop scoop bags and educational leaflets handed out to dog owners.
Councillor Ian Jones, Sandwell's cabinet member for neighbourhood services, said although the majority of dog owners were responsible and pick up after their dog, a careless few are still giving owners a bad name.
"Dog fouling is a big issue for Sandwell's residents who keep asking us to do more about it. Poop Scoop Week is a good time for us to educate dog owners about cleaning up after their pets and warn them that they face penalties if they don't.
"We want open spaces and streets in Sandwell to be attractive and free for everyone to use. We will not tolerate people allowing their dogs to make a mess of them."
Clarissa Baldwin, Dogs Trust chief executive officer, added: "Dog fouling is an issue Dogs Trust is determined to tackle and we hope Poop Scoop Week will reinforce the importance of picking up dog poo.
"We want people to be able to enjoy clean public areas all year round and if everyone remembers the importance of picking after their dog we can make a big difference."
To report any problems with dog fouling in Sandwell email contact@sandwell.gov.uk or call 0845 359 7501.
For more information on Poop Scoop Week visit the Dogs Trust website.