Bag and bin it, dog owners reminded (From Salisbury Journal)

Bag and bin it, dog owners reminded

8:00am Saturday 9th February 2013 in News By Morwenna Blake

DOG owners are being reminded they can ‘bag it & bin it’ as Salisbury City Council launches a new campaign to reinforce the message that dog mess can be put in any of the city’s public litter bins.

“Dog mess is an increasing problem in our parks and green spaces,” said parks assistant Polly Mason. “Irresponsible owners and walkers are letting their dogs foul on our football and rugby pitches, as well as in areas that are popular with children, families and picnickers. “We want to do as much as we can to encourage people to bag their dogs’ mess – and then put it in the nearest bin rather than leaving it lying around.”

The campaign will see stickers start to appear on the litter bins in Salisbury’s parks and open spaces to highlightthe campaign, as well as reminding dog owners that they can be fined for not clearing up after their dog.

The council is also making free bags available to residents and visitors for those occasions that people forget to take a bag out with them.

The free bags can be collected from a range of places across Salisbury, including The Rugby Club or campsite at Hudson’s Field, the Bemerton Heath Centre, the Allotment Shop at Fisherton and the Old Mill at Harnham.

There will also be family fun event on April 27 at Fisherton Recreation Ground, organised alongside the Dogs Trust, which will highlight the responsibilities of being a dog owner.

For more information on the campaign please contact Salisbury City Council on 01722 342860 or at info@salisburycitycouncil.gov.uk.