Success for campaign to tackle dog fouling in Allesley Park

But despite the success Coventry City Council officials say they will continue to target the issue in Allesley Park.

The problem was raised after a 400-strong petition was presented by local ward councillors Bally Singh and Jayne Innes in June.

It led to Coventry City Council's Pest Control and Animal Welfare Section carrying out a survey at the popular park where they found more than 200 separate dog fouling incidents that had not been cleaned up by owners.

The team carried out a wide rage of action to combat the problem that included regular covert and overt surveillance that resulted in three, £75 fixed penalty notices.

Other measures adopted include placing additional 'no dog fouling' signage in the park, placed warning signs advising dog walkers we were carrying out surveillance in the area and sprayed 'no dog fouling' stencils on all paths into the park.

Animal Welfare officers have also been speaking to dog walkers in the Allesley Park, and delivered leaflets in the area asking for information from local residents to identifying irresponsible dog walkers.

Staff also carried out a greeting exercise where they manned every entrance to remind dog walkers of their responsibilities.

A recent follow up survey of Allesley Park has showed that the strategy is working with a massive improvement in the amount of dog fouling now taking place

Although there are many responsible dog owners, Councillor Bally Singh said something had to be done to tackle those breaking the law.

"It is good to see that action has been taken and that the park is improved in terms of the amount of dog fouling that is being left," he said.

"But there is still more work to do as I am determined that this wonderful park is able to be used and enjoyed by everyone."

Cllr Jayne Innes added: "It always seems to be the minority who spoil things for the majority but I hope the message is getting through that this sort of behaviour will not be tolerated."

Fellow Whoberley ward councillor Dan Howells said: "We want to give a clear message to dog owners that anyone caught failing to clear up after their dog is not acceptable as dog faeces are a health risk."
 
Coventry City Council's Dog Warden Section will continue to monitor and enforce the no dog fouling law which makes it an offence not clear up after a dog if it fouls in a public place.

But the team are heavily reliant on information and intelligence from the general public. Anyone who knows of a dog fouling problem or is aware of someone who allows their dog to foul but fails to remove it, should contact Coventry Direct on 0500 834 333.