A recent hard hitting campaign to tackle dog fouling in the north area of the city has been a major success according to the council.
Complaints from the public about dog fouling dropped by 80% after the 3 week campaign.
During the initiative, controversial pictures of dog mess were put through resident’s front doors.
‘Tongue in cheek’ chalk stencils were also painted onto pavements – to hit home the message that dog fouling will not be tolerated on city streets.
The campaign was just one of a series of anti-litter initiatives which have been running all over the city.
During the event, 5 Fixed Penalty Notices were issued for open space dog fouling, while 8 were issued for litter.
And environmental wardens and police officers were out in force to remind walkers to pick up after their four-legged friends.
Local residents also received free poop scoops, and posters were displayed in schools, libraries and doctor’s surgeries.
Dog mess on the street, is one of the top complaints from city residents.
Councillor Robert Aldridge, Environmental Leader, said: “This campaign has been a great success and shows that people respond well to shocking and hard-hitting tactics. The posters and stencils have really caught the imagination of the local community.
“The vast majority of city residents are responsible in cleaning up after their dogs but this project was all about tackling the few people who make our streets unsightly for other people. We are determined to continue to take the strongest possible action against the irresponsible minority who continue to litter our beautiful city.”
Sergeant Gill Geany, Lothian and Borders Police, said: “This was a hugely successful hard hitting joint operation. The Police and the City of Edinburgh council will continue to work together to combat the antisocial behaviour committed by a minority of dog owners and we will pursue those who commit offences by issuing fixed penalty tickets. “
George Gordon, chair of Granton and District Community Council and the Clean, Green and Safe Action Group, said: “This campaign was a great success and the local community has been very responsive. In fact, there was a significant change on dog fouling in the whole area. This project was all about making a real difference in the street and the Environmental Wardens and Police worked hard to achieve this great result.”
Last year, the Council ran an anti-litter initiative on Rose Street. The week-long pilot scheme which took place in October 2010 found that cigarette litter decreased by 70 per cent during that week and two weeks after the project
These figures dont mean there is less dogs mess, it simply means there has been less complaints. This could be for any number of reasons.
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