Homemade dog share stations an ACE idea

Community groups join forces in fight against dog fouling throughout Angus

Dog share stations have been developed in Angus as communities continue to fight the county’s litter scourge.

Community groups have been innovative in the way they have designed and promoted their homemade stations which are up and running in Easthaven, St Vigeans and at Keptie Pond in Arbroath.

The dog share stations are part of a campaign to increase awareness and responsibility among dog owners following the Angus Litter Summit.

Wendy Murray, from Angus Clean Environments (ACE), said: “Volunteers in many communities across Angus are engaging with dog owners to raise awareness about the serious issue of dog fouling.

“Sometimes it’s about a conversation and on other occasions it’s about sharing bags with walkers and handing out biscuits.

“The idea of dog share stations developed because community groups generally don’t have the funding to maintain a free supply of bags for dog walkers.

“The idea of the homemade ones are that members of the public contribute and take ownership of them by keeping them topped up with bags. WENDY MURRAY

“Commercial dog stations are very expensive, not just to buy, but also to maintain.

“The idea of the homemade ones are that members of the public contribute and take ownership of them by keeping them topped up with bags.”

The Easthaven construction also hosts a dog biscuit box; the one from St Vigeans is made out of everyday items; and the station at Keptie Pond links with the theme of “flower bikes” connecting the town.

The Angus Litter Summit group is now dissolved and the new ACE group has been established to act as an umbrella group for all those involved in trying to reduce waste and litter.

Other work in the fight against fouling includes re-energising the Green Dog Walkers scheme which now has a new Facebook page for people to sign up.

Flora Cairnie, founder and coordinator of Carnoustie Canine Capers, said: “The idea is to help keep our streets, parks and beaches free from dog litter.

“The key message is ‘bag it and bin it – leave only pawprints’.

“Individuals sign the pledge which does not cost anything.

“They agree to carry extra poo bags. “If pledgers see someone who is not picking up, they can offer them a poo bag.

“Additionally, if a dog walker has forgotten a poo bag, the person can ask the pledger for one. It is friendly and non-confrontational.”

Carnoustie Canine Capers regularly raise funds to purchase biodegradable poo bags and those who sign up are given a bag of 50.

gstrachan@thecourier.co.uk

Picture: Paul Reid. Wendy Murray and her pets at one of the new dog stations at Easthaven.