Dog Poo to be Sprayed with Pink Spray at Canal

RANGERS and towpath users at the Grand Western Canal Country Park are increasingly concerned at the quantity of dog mess which is being left along and beside the towpath.

Previous efforts to raise awareness of the problem and encourage responsible dog walking along the towpath have had some success, but Rangers believe the problem has become much more serious in recent months, particularly in Tiverton.

In an effort to emphasise the scale of the problem and to make dog walkers think twice before leaving behind their dog’s faeces for others to tread in, the Canal Ranger Service is taking a novel approach which it hopes will get people talking about the issue.

The scheme which started on Friday 29 means all of the piles of dog mess left on or beside the towpath in Tiverton will be sprayed bright pink by Rangers using a spray aerosol. This will make it easier for towpath users to avoid stepping in the mess and will give a clear indication of just how much dog mess is being left by dog owners.

Canal Rangers have been appalled to see just how much dog mess is being left along the towpath, and have received complaints from a number of towpath users. Having heard about the pink spray being successfully used to raise awareness of the problem by councils in other parts of the country, they have decided to try the technique at the Canal.

The message from the Canal Ranger Service is that dog walking is a popular activity within the Country Park and provided dogs are kept under control, kept within sight at all times and their mess is cleared up, they are very keen to welcome dog walkers to the canal.

They believe that the majority of dog walkers that use the towpath are responsible and do clear up after their dog, but there is a significant minority who selfishly fail to take responsibility for their dog and leave its mess behind for others to tread in. Not only can treading in dog mess completely spoil a visit to the Country Park, but it also poses a significant health risk to young children.

There are six dog mess bins at the access points to the towpath in Tiverton alone, and they are located at every significant access point throughout the entire length of the canal, so there are really no excuses for leaving dog mess behind.

The campaign is being undertaken during February in order to address this issue at a time when there will be little impact on tourists visiting the area. Temporary signs addressing the issue are being installed at either end of the towpath in Tiverton. Police officers and PCSOs who patrol the area have also pledged their support for the campaign, and will pay particular attention to the issue of dog fouling whilst patrolling along the towpath. After two weeks, Canal Rangers will clear up all the dog mess which has been sprayed pink.

Mid Devon District Council Dog Warden, Phil Collins, said: "Dog walkers should be aware that failure to clear up their dog’s faeces can result in an on the spot fine or attract a prosecution resulting in a fine of up to £1000. We are particularly keen to receive details from the public of any offenders (such as type of dog, description of owner, vehicle registration, address, regular walking time and location etc.) and armed with such information we can hopefully catch some of these thoughtless individuals. To make a report of dog fouling, please email lownmanops@middevon.gov.uk or telephone 01884 255255 or report via our website www.middevon.gov.uk”

Mid Devon District Councillor and Chairman of the Canal’s Joint Advisory Committee, Paul Williams, said: "We have always welcomed dog owners to use the Canal and it is such a shame that a few should behave so irresponsibly, making it messy for us all and putting children in danger. Let’s hope that this novel scheme will remind them to act more appropriately and that they will bag and bin their pets mess in future. Otherwise we may have to consider more severe measures. Remember the canal is for us all to enjoy."

PC Michael Martini the Neighbourhood Beat Manager for the Canal area of Tiverton says; "Some people might not see this as an important issue, but for the many people who make use of the Grand Western Canal and it’s towpath it is very important. It is an offence but fundamentally we are asking dog owners to be more responsible, to think of others and clear up any mess, so that everyone can continue to enjoy the area. Failing that we do have the option of issuing £50 penalty tickets."

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