A FORDINGBRIDGE pet owner is calling on fellow dog owners to pick up after their pooches.

The woman, who wishes not to be named, says dog mess is a growing problem in the town and becoming a blight on the landscape.

She said: “I am becoming increasingly exasperated at the lack of responsibility shown by some dog walkers in Fordingbridge. I own a dog and always pick up any poo, either placing it in an appropriate bin if there is one or taking it home to put in my dustbin.

“It now appears that it’s just “not cool” to carry your own dog’s poo bag.”

Problem locations, she told the Journal, include St Mary’s Churchyard and Glebe Field.

She added: “There are several signs about dog fouling and a nearby bin, yet there is consistent evidence - sometimes right next to the bin - that some owners are oblivious too.

“The field is used as a car park for weddings, funerals, and other events so clearly needs to be kept free of dog poo. To disregard this shows a total lack of respect whether or not you are a churchgoer.”

She says at Frog Lane there is a small heap of earth and rubble which is now becoming a “dog poo bag mountain”.

Speaking about a footpath from Mulberry Gardens to Ashford Water, she said: “During the winter the first stretch of this well used path was literally lined with piles of dog poo so I stopped walking there.

“The grass has grown up now and hides most of it but in the adjoining field I counted no less than 20 bags of dog poo on Wednesday, just chucked over the fence because people cannot be bothered to take it home.

“I appreciate that more dog bins situated near popular walks would improve the situation - council please take note. However, there will always be those people who think that they bear no responsibility to keep our environment clean and safe for others to enjoy. My message to them is if you can’t be bothered to clear up properly after your dog then you shouldn’t own one in the first place.”

A New Forest District Council spokesman said: "The dog walking areas mentioned are not maintained by the council. Residents can report dog fouling in residential areas to our customer services team on 023 8028 5000 or online at newforest.gov.uk. Residents can also request that a bin suitable for dog waste be installed."

NFDC’s dog warden Jamie Burrows added: “We welcome considerate dog owners in the New Forest, but it is important for people to take responsibility for cleaning up after their animal as, not only is it unpleasant to look at and even more unpleasant to step in, it can pose a health risk.

“New Forest District Council can fine those who fail to pick up after their dog £50 so please ensure you have bags or poop scoops with you every time you walk your dog.”