Kids throw the book at selfish dog walkers
PUPILS at a primary school have been taking action against irresponsible dog owners who fail to pick up after their pets.
Unity Community Primary, in Cheetham Hill, Manchester, is surrounded by plenty of outdoor space and greenery in an area which is popular amongst dog walkers.
But over the past 12 months, both Unity’s children and staff have noticed more and more dog-fouling around their school grounds.
The problem came to a head when nursery pupils began to bring dog waste into their nursery classrooms.
Students in Year 6 decided to write and illustrate a book to highlight the issue and to encourage people to keep the area clean and tidy.
The book, We Love Dogs, has since been published by the school, which aims to share it with other schools and community groups in the area to help spread the message.
Along with the book, the school has also had illustrations printed onto large signs which are displayed outside the school gates.
Head Jude Lee, said: “Unity is a school with a very strong sense of community which extends beyond our school gates.
“Children and staff are all extremely proud of our school and their creative response to this issue reflects that.
“Pupils and staff were growing increasingly frustrated by the levels of dog waste being left on the grounds and paths around the school.”
Manchester council’s executive member for neighbourhoods, Rabnawaz Akbar, said: “We applaud the pupils and staff of Unity Community
Primary for highlighting this problem, as it is really important for the wider community to understand how anti-social behaviours such as dog-fouling can have a very serious impact on local young people.
“Dog owners have a legal obligation to clean up every time their dog fouls in a public place and we look to fine those who are found to not be complying with the law.
“We encourage people to continue reporting dog-fouling incidents in their neighbourhood via www.manchester.gov.uk,” said Coun Akbar.