How mum is urging fellow pet owners to doo the right thing
HOMEMADE BAG DISPENSERS ENCOURAGE PEOPLE TO PICK UP AFTER THEIR DOGS
A MUM who became exasperated by the everyday sight of dog mess in her village has told how a little bit of creative thinking is helping to tackle the problem.
Lucy Whitehead, 34, had grown sick and tired of dog owners not picking up their pets’ mess in and around her home in Barwell, near Hinckley.
Things reached a new low when Lucy was taking her young son to school, warning him along the way to watch his step. She came up with the idea of turning old plastic bottles into poo bag dispensers and has placed a number of them around the village.
She posted a photograph of her invention on Facebook, gaining lots of supportive comments from appreciative members in the community.
While most agreed she shouldn’t have to do it, one said: “Brilliant idea! Shame there are so many irresponsible dog owners.”
Lucy told the Leicester Mercury: “I just really worry about children’s hygiene.
“They are bringing it into school and before they notice, could have eaten or not washed their hands and it’s just not fair – they don’t know any better.”
Lucy, who owns three dogs, noticed the problem seemed to get a lot worse after the coronavirus lockdown.
She said: “I think a lot more people got dogs during lockdown and maybe aren’t used to picking up after them.
“I absolutely love living in Barwell and am proud of our village, but this issue just lets it down.
“The local parish council have been wonderful.
“Whenever I report it, they do send a team out to clean it up – but it’s not really solving the issue.”
According to the law, dog owners face £100 fines for walking pets without poo bags, which can rise to up to £1,000 if the case goes to court.
Lucy added: “I think this law is an opportunity for the council to maybe provide spot checks in problem areas.
“I would have no problem showing them I carry poo bags.
“I think it would really work as a deterrent for people to change their behaviour.”
While her Facebook post garnered plenty of support, some were worried that people may tear down the dispensers rather than use them for their intended purpose.
One commented: “Great idea, but obviously most people probably will not use them. It makes me really angry when people don’t pick up after their dogs – but well done, you. I hope it works.”
Another added: “Good idea in theory, until kids or drunken idiots think it’s clever to pull them all out and make a mess.”
Responding to concerns, Lucy said: “Amazingly, after the post, I’ve had so many people in the community message me saying they will help make sure the dispensers are not torn down and if they’re empty, they will refill them.
“It’s really made me proud of our village and I think it would be great if other communities could do that same.
“I just want myself, my children and everyone to live in a place that is looked after and respected.”
I love living in Barwell and am proud of our village, but this issue just lets it down
Lucy Whitehead, pictured