Published May 15, 2017 at 14:48
Civic Pride Rossendale recently started a new project of creating yellow signs on the pavement in areas where dog fouling has been an ongoing problem. Early signs are good, in that the number of both unbagged and bagged and discarded faeces appear to have been reduced. This is obviously in line with our hopes and expectations but why does it work?
It’s claimed that leaving dog fouling on a public path is anti-social behaviour, but is it? ‘The Crime and Disorder Act 1998 defines antisocial behaviour as acting in a manner that has “caused or was likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress to one or more persons not of the same household” as the perpetrator.’ Wikipedia.
Does treading in dog poo cause harassment, alarm or distress? I’m sure that anyone who has had this unpleasant experience (and who hasn’t?), will answer yes!
What if it’s been bagged? It’s not pleasant for anybody walking past it and certainly not for our volunteers who have the unenviable task of picking them up! Again, the answer is most certainly yes.
Maybe otherwise law abiding and respected members of the community, as they walk their beloved pooch; with one eye on the lookout for existing dog poo, are simply reminded of their duties as a responsible citizen and dog owner. Let’s hope so.
A dog maybe man’s best friend but leaving its pooh could leave you with far fewer human friends than you had before!
Filed under : civic pride | dog fouling | green