Council to paint pavements to tackle dog poo blight

The writing’s on the floor for irresponsible dog owners across East Devon.

A new get-tough initiative will see official warnings painted on pavements telling people to clear up after their pets - or face being collared.

Dog mess is one of the most common causes for complaint among residents when asked about issues in their community.

Now East Devon District Council (EDDC) is launching a campaign aimed at deterring the “small but irritating band” of irresponsible dog owners who allow their pets to foul pavements and public areas in the region.

The council’s ‘Pick It Up’ campaign features a strong message, which will be painted on the ground at hotspots around the district where dog mess is a particular problem.

District council environment spokesman Iain Chubb said: “The message for irresponsible dog owners from this campaign is quite clear. If you aren’t picking up the poop, someone may drop you in it.

“Dog mess is a perennial problem for local councils all over the country. The majority of dog owners are very good at picking up after their pets and putting the stuff in the dog waste bins we provide.

“We are targeting the small but persistent group of people who either don’t care or can’t be bothered. They are the ones putting the rest of us to the trouble of cleaning our shoes, protecting our children from disease carried by dog mess, and even saving other pets walking through the stuff.

“This campaign will highlight the problem in very graphic terms, by spraying a message on the pavement to remind dog owners of their responsibilities. The message, which is in red degradable paint, will last for about two weeks and will then fade.”

Mr Chubb said it was not a case of council “graffiti” but a responsible authority sending a very clear message to everyone that the dog warden and other staff are on the lookout for the culprits and are hoping the public will help them to catch and prosecute offenders.