Whittlesey residents are taking the lead on tackling dog fouling following the launch of the town’s ‘Green Dog Walkers scheme’.
Whittlesey Town Council, Whittlesey Neighbourhood Watch and Fenland District Council have joined forces for the initiative, which aims to encourage owners to clean up after their pets in a non-confrontational and friendly way.
More than 50 dogs were registered for the community-led scheme at its launch in the Market Place earlier this month, and even more have signed up since.
Whittlesey is the second Fenland community to adopt the Green Dog Walkers programme, following its launch in Wimblington seven months ago.
To date it has been adopted by over 40 councils nationwide, and has proved hugely successful in reducing dog fouling issues.
Dog owners who sign up to the scheme pledge to always pick up after their four-legged friends, carry extra dog waste bags, be happy to provide other dog walkers with waste bags and highlight any problem areas to Fenland District Council.
In return, owners receive a Green Dog Walker dog tag to display on their dog’s lead or collar and a roll of dog waste bags as a thank you for helping make the campaign a success.
Councillor Peter Murphy, Fenland District Council’s portfolio holder for the environment, said: “We know and appreciate that the vast majority of dog owners in the area are responsible, but dog fouling still remains an issue locally.
“The Green Dog Walkers initiative is about educating the small minority who don’t pick up after their pets and encouraging them to be responsible owners.
“The scheme also supports our ongoing Tidy Fenland enforcement work to protect and enhance an attractive, safe and sustainable environment.
“I would encourage members of the public to contact the council with any concerns they have about dog fouling. Every report or complaint the council receives is investigated.”
Robin Sutton, secretary of Whittlesey Neighbourhood Watch, added: “Whittlesey Neighbourhood Watch aims to create a safer, stronger and active community.
“We had noticed that dog fouling was causing concerns in our community and wanted to provide a non-confrontational way of helping to resolve the problem. Green Dog Walkers is our chosen solution. We have been delighted to work in partnership with both Fenland District Council and Whittlesey Town Council to launch the scheme in our area.
“We have received an amazing and overwhelmingly positive response from local dog walkers who have joined.
“They are now able to show, by the display of the special green tags, that they have promised to act responsibly and to always clean up after their dogs whether anyone is watching or not!
“We are hoping that all our local dog owners will join the scheme. By having publicly visible good role models we hope that this will encourage the small minority who fail to pick up to change their behaviour and join the rest of the dog owning community in making our environment cleaner and safer for everyone.”
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