Dog fouling has long been an issue in all parts of the Highland Council area and now responsible dog owners are banding together to stop it with the launch of the Green Dog Walkers scheme.
Green Dog Walkers is a non confrontational friendly way of changing people's attitudes towards dog fouling in public places and encourages responsible dog ownership. Volunteers from community groups will wear a Green Dog Walkers (GDW) wristband which signifies that they have 'Taken the Pledge' to always clean up after their dog; to carry extra dog bags and be happy to be approached to 'lend' a doggie bag to those without; and to be a friendly reminder to other dog walkers to clean up after their dogs. Their four legged friends will also be able to promote the scheme by wearing a specially branded dog collar or snood.
The scheme originally started up in Falkirk and proved to be such a success that in February 2010 it won the UK Kennel Club Dog Recognition Award and licences to run the scheme are now available to Councils across the whole of the UK.
In Highland the scheme will initially be rolled out in Ross, Skye and Lochaber before being extended to all of the Highland Council area. It is very much a community led initiative with a partnership between The Highland Council's Housing and TEC Services providing advice and support.
Chairman of the Housing and Social Work Committee, Councillor Margaret Davidson said she hoped the scheme would reduce the amount of dog fouling across the Highlands. "Dog fouling is a major issue and we are receiving complaints on a daily basis," she said.
"We are confident that this scheme will contribute towards making Highland a cleaner place and it should help bring communities together. Responsible dog owners have a big part to play in helping to tackle dog fouling."
Tenant Participation Officer Mandy Macleman has been busy speaking to local groups about the scheme. Bridaig Park Residents Association in Dingwall are one of the first community groups to sign up. Chair Florence MacLeod and Secretary Margaret Barnetson attended the launch event held today (Monday 28 February) in Dingwall. Florence said: "Dog fouling has always been a big issue in our area. We think the Green Dog Walkers scheme is just what we need to empower the community to change people's attitudes."
Any constituted community group interest in signing up will receive a special starter pack from the Highland council which will include:
• a supply of armbands (adult and child sizes)
• a starter supply of leaflets (with pledge forms included)
• posters
• a box of dog waste disposal bags
• Green Dog Walkers dog collars or snoods
In addition to providing the starter packs The Highland Council will provide ongoing support and advice to all groups signing up to Green Dog Walkers. Local vets, dog walkers and dog training clubs are also being encouraged to give their support.
Local Councillor Angela MacLean, who is also a member of the TECS Committee is delighted that the Green Dog Walkers Scheme has come to the Highlands. She said: "The whole emphasis is for responsible dog walkers to lead by example and make it socially unacceptable for people to allow their dogs to foul in public places. Peer pressure can be a very powerful way of changing attitudes. The health risks associated with dog fouling are well known and at a time when we are looking forward to the start of the tourist season, we want to ensure visitors are not left with a negative impression of our beauty spots. I would encourage as many groups as possible to become involved and I wish the Scheme every success."
Any groups interested in rolling out the campaign in their local neighbourhood or would like some more information should contact Mandy Macleman on 01349 868471 or email greendogwalkers[AT]highland.gov.uk
