Donated hi-vis jackets being transformed into coats for dogs

KEEP Wales Tidy is launching a new pilot scheme to keep dogs safer and pavements cleaner by turning hi-vis jackets into dog coats.

Continuing their partnership with Cardiffbased creative Lisa Broom, who worked on the successful car bin project with Keep Wales Tidy, fabric donated by construction workers will be made into padded, thermal, waterproof dog coats.

The dog coats will be complete with a handy pocket for poo bags to help keep streets and parks clean.

Lisa Broom, of Monkey and Mess, said: “It’s great to team up with Keep Wales Tidy once again to tackle waste and litter issues, this time focusing on our four-legged friends.

“No-one likes to see dog mess around the place and we hope these coats will help dog owners clean up while keeping their dog warm, safe and dry.”

Miles Thomas, of manufacturing firm Castleoak, said: “We are really pleased to support Keep Wales Tidy by donating all our old, PPE clothing and seeing them re-made into hi-vis dog jackets.

“It’s essential for us as a responsible business that, instead of simply throwing items away and potentially landfilling them, we instead think in more circular way and identify who could benefit from our surplus items.

“The idea of hi-vis dog jackets seemed a great way to extend the life of our PPE, so we’re thrilled Keep Wales Tidy are able to produce them.”

According to the latest All Wales “How Clean Are Our Streets?” report by Keep Wales Tidy, dog fouling was recorded on 8.6% of streets surveyed which is the lowest figure to date.

Louise Tambini, operations director at Keep Wales Tidy, added: “Dog fouling remains a serious and hazardous problem for many neighbourhoods in Wales.

“By encouraging people to pick up after their dogs and dispose of it responsibly, we hope to see less dog fouling in our green spaces and have clean and safe areas for everyone to enjoy.

“Our message is simple – bag it, bin it or take it home!”

Each coat will be handmade to order, and all profits generated will be donated to Keep Wales Tidy.

The dog coats will be made to order by Lisa Broom via her Ebay shop.