Strong message to dog owners over being responsible

HARD-HITTING posters are urging dog owners to be responsible.

Blaby District Council’s Bite Back initiative is offering support to owners, farmers and sports teams and owners of recreation areas.

The council will hand out a free Bite Back Pack, containing weather-proof posters, dog bags, stencil kits for pavements and an info pack on how to report anyone not picking up after their dog.

With a large rural area across the district, farmers can also order posters highlighting the dangers of not keeping a dog under control.

The council said in July a sheep in Countesthorpe was mauled by a dog off its lead, with the farmer’s wife and young daughters discovering the injured animal. The sheep had to be put down. A further poster shows the consequences of failing to clean up after dogs around livestock, showing the potentially devastating effects of disease that dog faeces can carry.

Sports teams, local organisations and owners of recreation areas in the district can also receive free posters and pack to deter irresponsible dog owners that can cause issues in play areas and sports pitches by failing to control their dog.

Councillor Iain Hewson, leisure and regulatory services spokesman, said: “We know that while the vast majority of dog owners are responsible, the small number who have no respect for their area have a negative impact in the community, and can cause distress and long-term problems to farmers.

“These upsetting effects are shown in the rural posters and we make no apologies for the hard-hitting nature of them.

“With all circumstances covered by our Bite Back campaign, I encourage any residents, farmers and organisations to get in touch, and we will help them launch the campaign in their area.”