‘Dog poo fairy’ out to get foulers
FICTIONAL character the ‘Dog Poo Fairy’ was in Oban on Monday, to remind people she does not exist and they need to clean up after their dogs.
The fairy, actually Oban resident Nicola Wilson, was part of a multi-partner gathering at Atlantis Leisure centre, as the campaign group Oban Community Action on Dog Fouling launched its media campaign.
MSP for the Highlands and Islands Mike Mackenzie and Oban-based councillors Roddy McCuish, Duncan MacIntyre, Elaine Robertson and Iain Angus MacDonald were in attendance to give the group some political clout.
Oban officers Inspector Mark Stephen and Sergeant Alan Moore represented Police Scotland. Others from West Highland Housing Association (WHHA), Argyll Community Housing Association (ACHA), Argyll and Bute council’s amenity services, Atlantis leisure centre, Oban community council, Park primary school and members of the public came along to give their support.
Oban community councillor Julie McKenzie, one of the dog fouling group’s founding members, said: ‘Thank you to everyone who came along today to support what we’re doing. It’s absolutely fantastic to see such an overwhelming response and encourages us as a group to keep going with our campaign.’
As part of its ongoing effort for working in partnership with other organisations, Julie was pleased to announce that West Highland Housing Association had offered to supply 10 new bins to the campaign. Argyll and Bute council will arrange to site the bins and will empty them.
Part of the new media launch to raise the profile of the dog fouling problem is to literally ‘highlight’ it, by spray painting dog mess with fluorescent paint.
The paint is biodegradable, and the actions are fully supported by the council and Police Scotland.
Councillor Roddy McCuish said: ‘I’m absolutely delighted the group has got to this stage in its campaign.
‘This highlights this partnership working well together and it’s great to see so many representatives from the different partners here today.
‘Hopefully the media launch highlights how seriously we are taking this issue.’
MSP Mike McKenzie said he was very encouraged by the support the group has garnered, particularly from the council and community council and the housing associations.
Oban Community Action on Dog Fouling now plans to adopt a pro-active approach in the community, encouraging members to report online to both the group and Argyll and Bute council, when they see someone commit an offence.
To report a dog fouling issue, telephone the council’s dog fouling and dog control department on 01546 605 514, or online: www.argyll-bute.gov.uk/myabc/dogfouling