National Poop Scoop Week
Don't 'foul' up this summer
(Date of issue: Tuesday, 26 July 2011)
Carlisle City Council is backing the UK’s largest dog-welfare
charity’s campaign to make this summer poop-free. During this
year’s National Poop
Scoop Week (Monday, 25 June – Sunday, 31 July) local dog-owners
will be urged to clean up after their pooches to make 2011 the
cleanest summer ever.
The Dogs Trust is urging all dog owners to get behind the
campaign and help the country’s canine citizens. Dog fouling costs
remains the country’s most complained about issue. Locally, there
is an estimated 15,000 dogs in the Carlisle City Council area
producing three tonnes of faeces every day – enough to cover 17
football pitches each year.
Carlisle City Council’s Environmental Health staff will be
promoting responsible dog ownership, at various events organised as
part of
Love Parks Week (23 July – 31 July). Visitors can take part in
a trooper trail and a quiz each day. The correct answers out of the
basket each day will win a toy puppy.
Clarissa Baldwin, Dogs Trust CEO says:
“Dog fouling is an issue Dogs Trust is determined to tackle and
we hope Poop Scoop Week will reinforce the importance of picking up
dog poo! It is encouraging to see so many dog owners do carry poo
bags and unfortunately it is the irresponsible dog owning minority
that are giving dogs a bad name.
“We hope that by getting the support of children around the
country we can shape the future of dog ownership. We want people to
be able to enjoy clean public areas all year round and if everyone
remembers the importance of picking after their dog we can make a
big difference.”
The council wants to work alongside local people to tackle
anti-social behaviour such as graffiti, litter, dog fouling,
fly-tipping and fly-posting.
Carlisle City Cllr Ray Bloxham, Portfolio holder for Environment
and Housing, said:
“Unfortunately, it is the minority giving the majority of
responsible dog owners a bad name. It is every owner’s
responsibility to clean up after their dog so that everyone,
including dogs, can enjoy our public parks and open spaces.”
Ends
Notes to Editors:
Dog fouling is a serious health issue due to toxocara canis,
transmitted through worm eggs in dog faeces. Further information on
National Poop Scoop week is available at www.poopscoopweek.co.uk