Pet owners urged to ‘take the lead’ as dog fouling campaign set to launch
A campaign urging Renfrewshire dog owners to “take the lead” and clean up after their pet is set to launch in May.
The initiative will aim to reduce fouling, a persistent problem in the local authority, by celebrating positive behaviour.
People with a canine friend will be invited to sign a pledge in which they agree to pick up after their own dog.
They will also be encouraged to offer bags to those who are out and about and don’t have one with them.
Owners who sign the pledge will receive free goodies – potentially a branded lead – which allow them to be identified and feel part of the campaign.
It is due to kick off at a Pooches in the Park event in Barshaw Park, which will be organised by the council’s Team Up to Clean Up drive.
Councillor Gillian Graham, a Labour rep for Johnstone North and the surrounding villages, has three dogs and she described the idea as “tremendous” at Tuesday’s communities and housing policy board.
“We have to take responsibility for our pets, our dogs, in parks,” she said.
“I go to the park regularly and I’m afraid you do see the remnants of irresponsible dog owning.”
Nicola Drummond, lead officer for building communities, confirmed the council was currently looking at costs for items given to those who sign up.
She said leads with Team Up to Clean Up branding were one product under consideration.
Ms Drummond said: “It’s just very positive.
“[We are] just trying to encourage people to come on board and sign up to the pledge.”
She added that the project would have the same ethos as the successful Team Up to Clean Up initiative – including “promoting positive behaviours and encouraging them with a smile”.
Councillor Graham responded: “It’s about trying to generate a culture of taking responsibility and recognising we want to keep our parks and paths clean.
“The vast majority of dog owners are responsible, I’m afraid it’s just a few bad apples. I’m fully supportive of it.”
SNP board convener Councillor Marie McGurk, who has a Border Collie called Jess, said: “I think it helps for awareness because sometimes people forget.
“I’ve seen them in the park, where they’ve just forgotten, and hopefully this will change behaviour.”
It’s about trying to generate a culture of taking responsibility Cllr Gillian Graham