Evening Telegraph (First Edition)
Spray paint highlights dog fouling
HILLTOWN residents have been left bemused by a mystery do-gooder who takes to the streets to spray-paint dog waste.
The campaigner, whose identity is unknown, uses spray paint to flag up dog fouling on pavements.
As a result, green spray paint has become a common sight on Bonnybank Road.
Several sections of the public footpath have been sprayed with green paint to help residents sidestep the waste – an act branded helpful by some but a “bit drastic” by others.
Resident Maggie Chalmers said she became aware of the spray paint about two weeks ago.
She added: “I’m a dog owner myself – if you have a dog you really need to take responsibility and just pick up the mess.
“I saw someone had spray-painted the waste – I’m glad they did, otherwise I don’t think I would have noticed it.
“It is going right up the path and has been there for the last two weeks. There are bin recesses in the area to dispose of dog waste as well.”
“I can’t say it has been an ongoing problem but there is no excuse for leaving that there. It is disgusting that someone has just left it.”
Shannon Douglas, 24, said she was aware of people using the spray-paint approach to dog fouling in Monikie and Arbroath.
She added: “I saw the spray paint on the path and then noticed the dog waste.
“I used to have a dog myself and I know there are instances when people forget to bring a dog bag.
“There is quite a lot of it out there though. I know it has been out there for a while and the fact someone has sprayed it so people don’t stand in it has helped.”
Luca Zen thought spray-painting dog waste seemed a “bit drastic”.
He added: “Someone has gone to a lot of effort to ensure people don’t stand in it. It does seem a bit drastic to spray-paint it.
“I’ve lived here for about a year and I can’t say I’ve seen a massive problem with dog fouling.”
A Dundee City Council spokeswoman said: “Early morning and late evening patrols are carried out and fixed penalties are issued when an offence has been witnessed.
“Under the current legislation fouling must be picked up immediately after a dog has fouled.
“If you are aware of a problem with a dog waste bin, or require the removal of dog fouling from the pavement within Dundee, please contact environment by email at env.reception@dundeecity. gov.uk.”