Identified as a top nuisance issue in countless polls, and a real health hazard as well, dog fouling is being addressed in a scheme bringing together residents and Wigan Council.
Costing residents some £60,000 each year from their council tax, dog mess is one of those environmental concerns that can be easily addressed.
Cllr David Molyneux, cabinet environment champion, says:
“Dog fouling blights our local area. We want to raise awareness of the problem and the real health issues, and also to support and work with dog owners to ensure they can properly dispose of dog fouling. Fortunately the vast majority of owners do this and I’d like to thank them for clearing up after their dogs.”
Dog fouling can lead to a disease called toxicariasis, an illness caused by roundworm eggs found in dog faeces. In severe cases this can lead to blindness, especially in children.
But not only is dog fouling deeply unpleasant and a serious health issue, it is also against the law to fail to clean up after a dog.
The campaign began in Worsley Mesnes and in Leigh. Free pooper scooper bags, supplied by the Safer Neighbourhood team, are available in those areas, but dog owners are reminded that they can use any plastic bag. Once wrapped, dog waste can be put in any normal street litter bin.
“The council’s PACT scheme – partners and communities together – has been running for a while now,” adds Cllr Molyneux, “and one of its successes has been enabling residents to identify problems and solutions to things that really matter to them, like the quality of their local environment.”
Council officers are working with residents and community groups in their own areas, and least 40 schools will be visited this year to engage young people on this issue. School pupils are always upset by the mess of dog fouling and the council’s education team help them to be aware of the health hazards and how they can act in their own communities.
Every household in the hot spot areas will be given a leaflet highlighting the problem. And clear new signs will remind people that wrapped dog mess can go into normal litter bins.
The council’s safer neighbourhood manager, Michell Woodburn, said:
“Together we can make our borough a cleaner, greener and safer place to be for all. Officers are getting tough on persistent offenders who don’t clear up after their dogs. They are working with Greater Manchester Police, Wigan & Leigh Housing and Wigan Culture & Leisure Trust to enforce the law.”
Residents can get advice on how to complete a witness statement for persistent offenders which can lead to a fixed penalty notice of £50 by calling the Environmental Services Helpline on 01942 404364 or send an email to eshelpline@wigan.gov.uk
The campaign will be continue across the borough throughout 2009. And the first outlets for the free pooper scoopers are:
- Wigan & Leigh Housing Office, Ridyard Street, Worsley Hall
- Bramble House Community Centre, Broom Road, Worsley Hall
- Wheelchair fund shop, St Paul’s Ave, Worsley Mesnes.
- Ink 4 U, Worsley Mesnes Precinct (off Worsley Mesnes Drive)
- Post Office 124-126 Warrington Road, Leigh
- R & D Aquis Off Licence, 125 Warrington Road, Leigh
