VIDEO: Steyning hopes to ‘shame’ dog poo offenders

Led by Steyning parish councillor Gill Muncey, a group of a dozen residents will be searching popular dog walking spots to highlight where dog poo has been discarded by the owner.

“We want to raise awareness of the problem which affects our paths, pavements, twittens and parks.”

The new campaign was launched following the clocks turning back one hour on the night of October 26.

“In previous years we’ve had a problem with fouling in the dark, mornings and evenings when people after work take their dogs out, but can’t actually see what the dogs are up to and we’ve had extra fouling,” said Mrs Muncey.

The team has been on hand to circle evidence of dog fouling with florescent spray paint and a little flag to warn off children that play in the area.

“We’ve had a team of a dozen volunteers who have been really good and going out and marking any fouling with florescent spray and with little flags to try and shame the regular offenders into maybe seeing that they’ve been spotted and that we’re doing something about it.”

Marching with the group on November 1, a child held a handmade picket that said: ‘Please pick up your dog poo, your dog can’t do it’.

“We’ve had great support from the police, from the community wardens and our volunteers,” Mrs Muncey added.

“All sorts of people have joined in to try and tackle this problem here in Steyning, as well as Upper Beeding and Bramber.

“We’ve gathered for a photograph to show the strength of our feelings.”

If people witness owners not cleaning up after their dogs, they can call Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.