Gavin Williamson, MP for South Staffordshire, has given his support to a campaign aimed at reducing incidents of dog fouling in South Staffordshire.
The campaign has so far resulted in complaints falling by nearly 90% in a year. Officers from South Staffordshire Council have been working in partnership with Parish Councils and the local community to reduce dog fouling in their areas and to remind residents that they should always pick up after their dog. Promotional dog fouling packs containing posters designed by local school children and signs that glow in the dark have been issued to all Parish Councils and, in addition, 20 areas have received training in the best ways to use the signs and create dog fouling stencils.
Councillor Roger Lees, Deputy Leader and cabinet member for public health protection services at South Staffordshire Council said: “I’m delighted that our work with local parish councils means that our parks, open spaces and streets remain clean.”
“Dog owners are required by law to clean up after their dog and failure to do so can result in a fixed penalty notice being issued or possible prosecution. Although the vast majority of responsible dog owners across South Staffordshire clean up after their pets, there are still some irresponsible pet owners who need reminding that if they don't clean up after their dog, they could risk a £1,000 fine.
“It’s easy to report dog fouling in your area through the Council’s website at www.sstaffs.gov.uk and by clicking on the ‘Report’ button, and we’re grateful for the support our campaign has received from the local community and local politicians.”
Gavin has worked previously with Coven primary pupils to design a poster, which was made by local business UK Safety Store, to encourage residents to pick up after their dogs after dog fouling became a huge problem on local footpaths surrounding primary schools.
Commenting on the issue Gavin commented: “Dog fouling is an extremely serious and unpleasant issue. Not picking up after your dog is not just an issue of aesthetics, but of public safety, with dog fouling known to create infection and blindness in children.
“I think it’s brilliant that our local schools are getting involved in the campaign. We are lucky to live in a beautiful part of the country and it's a shame that there are some individuals who do not clean up after their dogs creating a mess along our public pathways. I am glad to see that South Staffordshire Council and our Parish Councils are highlighting this issue in an effort to reduce it.”