The issue of dog fouling is being tackled in a major new initiative being launched by Ryedale District Council in collaboration with all Ryedale’s Town and Parish Councils.
The Town and Parish councils are being encouraged to join Ryedale District Council Don’t be a Waster – Reduce, Reuse, Respect campaign’s new dog fouling focus to promote responsible dog ownership and to raise awareness to keep the environment clean and green.
Parish and town councils are being urged to participate in a new initiative that encourages responsible dog walkers to act as village wardens – the Green Dog Walkers Scheme.
Dog walkers with green ribbons attached to their dog leads are identified as dog walkers with spare poo bags. These dog walkers will also report any dog walkers who don’t pick up after their dog to Ryedale District Council.
Councillor Luke Ives, Chairman of the Council’s Policy and Resources Committee, explained, “We’re hoping the town and parishes really back this campaign and offer green ribbons to their local dog walkers. We’re also offering them additional resources such as glow in the dark window stickers for properties adjacent to footpaths where fouling is an issue – these remind dog owners that not picking up after their pet is a crime and they’ll be reported. We’re also offering stickers that can be added to existing litter bins reminding dog walkers that bagged dog waste can go in any refuse bin.”
Councillor Ives, added: “Dog fouling is something residents frequently raise as an issue with us. We know the vast majority of our dog owners are responsible but we need to target those who don’t. Our message is clear – as a community we will watch out for those who don’t pick up after their pets and we will report you.”
Joining forces with Dogs Trust to tackle dog fouling in Ryedale
Ryedale District Council’s Don’t be a Waster – Reduce, Reuse, Respect campaign is highlighting the issue of dog fouling next month.
The Council has teamed up with Dogs Trust to host community events in the district to promote responsible dog ownership. The events will take place in Norton and Pickering.
Denise Kelly, North of England Campaigns Manager from Dogs Trust said, “We’re delighted to be working with Ryedale District Council to provide these community events. By working in partnership we can provide a free, easily accessible service to local dog owners and promote all aspects of responsible dog ownership, including picking up after your dog – and the legal requirements for doing so.”
Each event will offer free dog health checks for dogs, including nail clipping, free poo bags, free on the spot microchipping and a free check your chip service.
Councillor Luke Ives, Chairman of the Council’s Policy and Resources Committee, commented, “I’m delighted that we can work with such a well-respected dog welfare charity to highlight the problem of dog fouling. Dogs Trust does a great deal of valuable work in communities all over the country. I hope Ryedale residents will take advantage of this opportunity to take their dogs along to these events.”
The public can report dog fouling at https://www.ryedale.gov.uk/report-animal-problem.html
The events will run from 11am to 3pm at these dates and locations:
Wednesday 18 April, Memorial Hall, Pickering
Monday 30 April, Norton Trinity Methodist Church, Norton
