‘We are watching you’ – dog owners targeted

Notices that glow in the dark to be placed at dog fouling hotspots

Dog poo posters that glow in the dark will target irresponsible dog owners in Angus.

The notices will be put up in dog fouling hotspots in Arbroath, Carnoustie and Easthaven.

Dog fouling tends to be worse during the winter months, particularly at night when some owners feel they cannot be seen “under cover of darkness”.

The posters, which use innovative materials to glow at night and recharge during the day, show illuminated human eyes and the words “Thoughtless dog owners – we’re watching you!”.

Keptie Friends purchased the posters from Beautiful Scotland after receiving funding from the Angus Environmental Trust.

“We purchased the posters to remind dog owners to pick up the poo,” said Jean Stewart of Keptie Friends.

“As the winter sets in and the nights grow longer we are aware that dog owners still have to take their dogs out for an evening walk and for some the darkness becomes an excuse not to pick up their mess.

“The most complaints we hear are from parents whose kids come home with dog mess on their shoes and that is causing a real concern.

“Beautiful Scotland have used these posters in other areas with a good success record which we hope will be replicated.”

The signs will be on display at Keptie Pond, MacDonald Park, Arbroath High School and have also been shared with Easthaven Together and Carnoustie Canine Capers.

Wendy Murray from Easthaven Together said the posters will remind the small minority of owners who refuse to pick up after their dog “that this lack of respect isn’t acceptable”.

She said: “Unfortunately, not only is there an increase in dog fouling on darker nights but a number of owners may genuinely believe that it is okay to let their dogs foul in long grass or on the beach.

“The posters are designed to remind this small group of offenders that local residents and volunteers are watching.

“Information gathered will be forwarded to community wardens and it is hoped that the imposition of fines will help to change behaviour in cases where gentle persuasion has failed.”

The most complaints we hear are from parents whose kids come home withdog mess on their shoes. JEAN STEWART

Picture: Andy Thompson. From left: Jean Stewart, Wendy Murray, Colin Nicoll and Flora Cairnie pictured at Keptie Pond with the glow in the dark posters asking dog walkers to bag it and bin their animals poo.