Launch of the Green Dog Walkers scheme

Following a proposal to South Glos Council by Claire Young, the scheme which cut dog fouling problems in Falkirk by 50% is due to be launched in Frampton Cotterell and Coalpit Heath. The launch is at 7.30pm on Monday 28th May in the Brockeridge Centre.

Dave Hockey explained, “When Pat and I carried out a survey of all local residents before the elections last year, 1 in 3 residents complained about the growing problem of dog fouling. It was clear that something needed to be done to encourage responsible dog ownership in our area. The Parish Council agreed to back the introduction of the Green Dog Walkers Scheme which had been pioneered in Falkirk and cut dog fouling by half”.

Local resident Kirstie Bidwell attached a map to her survey response with local roads highlighted. It was headed ‘These are the locations where I see dog mess on a daily basis. With 2 young children, this is the most annoying thing I have to deal with EVERY DAY’.

Claire said, “I am delighted that the scheme is to be piloted in Frampton Cotterell Parish. I hope the trial is successful and it results in a significant cut in dog fouling problems on local pavements, footpaths, parks and sports pitches. If it is, I am sure that other Towns and Parishes across South Gloucestershire will be interested in launching the scheme in their areas”.

What next for Green Dog Walkers initiative?

Back in December, Claire Young won the backing of South Glos Council for an investigation into whether a Green Dog Walkers scheme or similar could work in South Gloucestershire. When Claire asked recently about progress on the scheme, she was disappointed with the apparent lack of enthusiasm shown by the Conservative Cabinet Member responsible for Community Services for progressing the idea.

Claire said, “Parish Councils might well be interested in taking up the idea. However for the scheme to work people across the area need to recognise the arm bands and collars and it makes financial sense for South Glos to take advantage of their ability to bulk purchase the equipment."

Charfield Councillor Sandra O'Neill and husband John are the owners of much loved dog Jack. Sandra said, “There is really no excuse for the problem in Charfield, bags are easily available and most dog owners are very careful not to leave a mess behind them. Sadly, however, some just don’t bother at all or actually pick it up and leave it hanging on a bush or hedge. I know that Charfield certainly isn’t the only place where there are constant complaints from local residents”.

Green Dog Walkers to tackle dog fouling

Cllr Claire Young (right) with Cllr Linda Boon and her dog Cocoa

Dog owners could soon be helping to tackle dog fouling in a scheme that would see responsible owners wearing armbands and carrying extra bags to hand out to other dog walkers.

At a meeting of South Gloucestershire Council last week, the Liberal Democrats won backing for a proposal to investigate a Green Dog Walkers scheme for South Gloucestershire. One such scheme, which originated in Scotland, has spread across the UK and even won an award from the Kennel Club.

Local Councillor Claire Young, who proposed the idea, said after the meeting, “Dog fouling is not just unpleasant, it is a health hazard, particularly for young children. It’s also a difficult issue to tackle, with only two dog wardens to cover the whole of South Gloucestershire. That’s why I think it’s important to get responsible dog owners involved in tackling the irresponsible or ill-prepared minority who give everyone else a bad name. By wearing an armband or putting a special collar on their dog, and carrying extra waste bags, owners can not only be a visible reminder to their fellow dog walkers but also make sure they have no excuse not to clean up after their dogs.”

Cllr Linda Boon, said, “As a dog owner, I always carry extra bags for picking up mess left by other dogs as well as my own, and I know there are others who do the same. I would be very happy to hand out a spare bag to someone caught out without one. A Green Dog Walkers scheme would make our commitment more visible and send a message to other owners that everyone has to clear up after their dogs.”

Chipping Sodbury Town Councillor, Adrian Rush, said, “Some people seem to find it embarrassing to pick up the mess and carry it in a bag to a bin, but surely it is far more embarrassing to leave a mess that could put children at risk. A green dog walkers scheme is about changing attitudes in a friendly, non-confrontational way.”

Claire got thinking about how to involve the responsible majority of the dog owning community in tackling the problem after taking part in a community litter pick on the Manor School playing field. She was interviewed on Radio Bristol this morning - listen again here (starting just after 42 minutes) or read the article on the BBC website.