PRESS RELEASE
Issued by:
Councillor Gill Gardiner,
Cabinet Member for Environment
Date of Issue: February 14th 2008
Contact numbers:
0151 625 2738
07803 065578

Pat on the back for dog owners ‘Caught Doing Right'

A Wirral Councillor is calling for rewards for dog owners who clean up after their pets in an attempt to reduce dog fouling on Wirral's streets.

Councillor Gill Gardiner, Wirral Council's Liberal Democrat Cabinet Member for Environment, says,
“We rightly complain about the minority of dog owners who don't clean up after their pets, but we don't give credit to the majority who do. Most people are never noticed for their attempts to better their environment.
“We will continue to pursue those who allow their dogs to foul our streets but, through a ‘Caught Doing Right' campaign, we would also like to recognise those who act responsibly.

“Caught Doing Right campaigns are a fun and proactive way to encourage people to do the right thing for their community.

“Dog owners seen cleaning up after their dogs are rewarded with praise postcards, which can be posted to give the owners a chance to win a year's supply of dog food or one of the other top prizes.”

Nine councils are already participating in the campaign, whose organisers cite dog mess as being in the top five areas of public concern. Despite enforcement with the issuing of Fixed Penalty Notices, the public often believe that no one actually seems to do anything.

The objectives of the campaign are two fold: firstly, to run a positive campaign to show the council does listen and is being proactive; secondly, to create awareness amongst owners that they are really being watched and hopefully encourage them to clean up.

Councillor Gardiner's proposals will be discussed at Monday's Full Council Meeting

Click here for the‘Caught Doing Right' campaign

Councillor Gardiner's proposal follows.

Liberal Democrat Group

Notice of Motion - Full Council February 18 2008 more/

‘Caught Doing Right' campaign

This council notes that there remains an unacceptable level of dog fouling on the borough's streets that is not cleaned up by a minority of irresponsible dog owners.

Council also notes that the majority of dog owners do respect their environment and clean up after their dogs. Council believes that whilst it is important to pursue those who offend, it is also important to recognise the behaviour of those dog owners who act responsibly.

This Council therefore requests officers to investigate Wirral's joining the growing number of local authorities such as Liverpool, Bury and Trafford who are participating in the national ‘Caught Doing Right' campaign for councils to encourage and reward people who are doing the right thing, and to report back to the relevant Scrutiny Committee by March 2008.

Moved by: Councillor Gill Gardiner
Seconded by: Councillor Ann Bridson