Name and shame threat over dog mess
AN irate animal lover has put up dozens of signs warning dog owners they will be ‘named and shamed on social media’ if they don’t pick up their pet’s mess.
The 30 notices have gone on display around Littleborough, Wardle and Dearnley and warn dog walkers that ‘locals are taking photos of people with dogs who don’t pick it up and take it home’.
They add: “Take your dog muck home with you. You will be named and shamed on social media and details sent to RMBC for fines.
“Children play here. We live here. Take you dog muck home with you.”
They were put up by animal lover Nicky Clark, of Beadle Avenue, Wardle, who says she is ‘sick to death’ of dog owners not picking up after their pets.
Nicky, who owns three Jack Russells and three whippets and is keen horse rider, said: “I am a pet lover, but I’m at the end of my tether.
“It is absolutely disgusting. Dearnley playing fields is especially bad and obviously there are kids playing on there all the time.
“It’s just irresponsible. The dog can’t pick it up so it’s up to the owners.”
The signs have provoked a lot of debate on social media, with many people praising Nicky for taking a stand.
But others have been critical of the move, calling it ‘harassment’ and some signs have been ripped down.
However Nicky is unrepentant and said she hoped the posters would highlight the problem.
The 45-year-old gardener added: “I wanted people to talk about it. That’s the main reason why I’ve done it. The reaction has mainly been positive, but there are some people who have said it’s over the top and some of the signs have been ripped down.
“I’ve not actually filmed anyone yet, but if it carries on I will do and I’ll report the owners and put their pictures on social media.
“If that makes people think twice about not picking up their dog mess, good, that’s the whole point.”
Stephen Pyke, of the council’s environmental action unit, said: “We always welcome the reporting of anti-social behaviour in local communities and Nicky should be thanked for her proactive approach. The council takes a zero tolerance approach to dog fouling on public land and any offender faces a fixed penalty fine of £50 or a maximum penalty on conviction of £1,000. We will continue to work with the public, the police and other bodies to ensure any irresponsible dog owners are prosecuted.”