Newport mayor calls for action over dog mess
Newport's mayor has urged dog walkers to be responsible for their pets' mess, and called for residents to report foulers.
Councillor Peter Scott said the dog fouling situation in the town has improved in recent years but that a "minority" of owners are still causing problems.
He said: "I am seeing a lot of comments on social media about dog fouling on footways and paths across Newport. According to reports you can’t walk anywhere without seeing it or coming into contact with it.
"I have had a number of anti-dog fouling initiatives over the last five years and can assure people that it is not as bad now as it was. The main problem is some dog owners using the cover of darkness to walk their dogs and therefore they cannot be seen easily.
"The worst areas are the connecting pathways on the estates which are not overlooked. When I started my campaigns I sprayed 134 cases in just one area. Now there are three or four, which is an improvement - ideally there should not be any.
"I would stress that most dog owners are responsible and do pick up after theirs' and sometimes other people’s dogs. It is the minority that don’t that are the problem.
"More people are taking daily exercise in lockdown and they don’t want to be having to dodge dog waste. I would urge anyone who knows who is being irresponsible to call Telford & Wrekin Council on 01952 384384 or use the website or app and report them.
"The enforcement officers will either issue fines or will at least visit the person and talk to them. Things usually do improve as the nights and mornings get lighter but there is nothing like a fine to remind irresponsible owners that they need to consider others."
Learn more about reporting dog fouling online at telford.gov.uk/info/20482/street_care_and_cleaning/97/dog_fouling
