More action on dog fouling in Dundee needed

Dundee City Council’s Liberal Democrat Group has called for more action in the city to tackle dog fouling, with the group welcoming the council’s intention to relaunch its ‘Green Dog Walkers’ scheme to further help deal with the issue in Dundee.

West End Liberal Democrat Councillor Fraser Macpherson said:

“The vast majority of dog owners behave responsibility picking up after their dog, but a small minority do not, and we get regular complaints from residents about dogs’ dirt left on pavements, in parks and other open spaces. It is filthy and unhygienic and we are anxious the City Council therefore takes further steps to deal with dogs’ dirt in public places."

“We’ve been very impressed with the work of the animal control team in tackling dog fouling but we feel the team needs greater resource which is why at this year’s council budget, the Liberal Democrat Group included the resources to fund an additional animal control officer in its proposals for the 2023/24 revenue budget. The number of fixed penalty notices issued is low as is the payment of them and additional resources would further help deal with the dog fouling issue.” 

His West End Ward colleague Councillor Michael Crichton added:

“The Liberal Democrat Group has also highlighted initiatives taken by other local authorities to try to tackle the dog fouling issue. Renfrewshire Council, for example, recently launched its “Take the Lead” initiative with a campaign to highlight the issue and promote positive behaviour."

“We are pleased therefore to note that environment officers are looking to relaunch the ‘Green Dog Walkers’ scheme which previously ran in Dundee."

“Green Dog Walkers began in Falkirk, by two dog walkers who were fed up of dogs’ mess in public places. Many local authorities have adopted the scheme and we think the council relaunching this scheme here in Dundee is a good initiative.”

The council’s Environment/Public Health Manager recently advised Councillor Macpherson: 

“The ‘Take the Lead’ initiative in Renfrewshire is similar to the ‘Green Dog Walkers’ scheme that has run before in Dundee and is an approach that is becoming more established across the country. Promotion of ‘Green Dog Walkers’ has been limited as a recent years due to the pandemic and the standing down of core volunteers who had been involved with this in Dundee."

“This was discussed recently at a ‘Take Pride in Your City’ meeting with it being noted that we have had recent interest from a couple of groups looking to get involved with promoting this scheme again so discussions with them are planned.”

Further information about Green Dog Walkers is available at www.dundeecity.gov.uk/service-area/neighbourhood-services/environment/green-dog-walkers

Councillor Macpherson concluded:

“It is clear from the number of dog fouling complaints that we receive that this remains a real issue in the city. It is ultimately the owners’ responsibility to clean up after their pet.   The vast majority of owners are responsible and do so, but its clear more needs to be done to tackle the issue of dogs’ mess across the city." 

“Our parks and open spaces are vital and the council must be committed to making them as accessible and attractive to residents as possible.”