There's no such thing as the Dog Poo Fairy

Released on 20 August 2012

Surrey Heath Borough Council has joined forces with Keep Britain Tidy in a campaign aimed at targeting irresponsible dog owners.

The campaign - "There's no such thing as the Dog Poo Fairy" - reminds dog walkers they are responsible for putting their dogs' mess in a bin and not leaving it to others to deal with.

Around the borough, posters will be going up on community boards, including parks and open spaces, highlighting the importance for dog owners to clear up after their pets.

As part of the campaign, council officers will be raising awareness through a series of community roadshows in five areas during the next month where they will hand out information and plastic dog poo bags, as well as forms for people to report incidents when owners are irresponsible.

Portfolio holder for community Councillor Vivienne Chapman said: "Surrey Heath is a clean borough and the vast majority of dog owners clear up after their pet, but we know from the two or three reports we receive each month that sadly some do not. Dog fouling is the most offensive type of litter, it's a health hazard and particularly dangerous to children. For those that don't take responsibility it's time they cleaned-up their act.

"We need residents to help us keep Surrey Heath clean and so we are asking for their support with this campaign. The campaign aims to encourage residents to report dog fouling incidents by using our anonymous Report-It form available from the roadshows or via our website."

The council will increase enforcement patrols in parks and areas where it is identified that dog fouling is a problem. Offenders observed failing to clean up after their dogs can be served with a £50 fixed penalty or a fine up to £1000 if court action is taken.

To report dog fouling visit: www.surreyheath.gov.uk/ReportIt

Bagged dog mess can go into any public litter bin. It won't be a Dog Poo Fairy who puts it there.