The number of dogs in the UK stands at approximately 7.5 to 8.5 million and as a result produce an estimated 1,000 tonnes of waste – a day.
That is the equivalent weight of 200 Elephants or 100 double decker buses.
Most UK dog owners are responsible for their pets natural waste, but sadly still not all.
The Dog Trust, in association with Keep Britain Tidy, are launching a Big Scoop campaign to recruit Scooper-Heroes, in a bid to educate and assist dog owners all over the UK.
Frances Abson, Head of Campaigns, Dogs Trust adds:
“Dogs Trust, the UK’s largest dog welfare charity, is thrilled to be working with Adur and Worthing Councils on our campaign The Big Scoop, which is all about reminding people to pick up after their dogs, and finding ‘scooper heroes’ in the local area who can help us tackle this messy issue. With lots of materials available and fun activities to be involved in, we want to make sure everyone knows that they can keep their streets clean simply by bagging and binning! To get involved in The Big Scoop, or to find out about hosting an awareness event in your area, please visit www.thebigscoop.org.uk”
Andy Edwards, Head of Environment at Adur & Worthing Councils adds
Adur & Worthing Councils are delighted to take part and support the Dog Trust’s “The Big Scoop Campaign”. This campaign is a great way to highlight to our residents the importance of picking up after their dogs.
I would urge as many dog owners as possible to get involved in the event and take an active part in helping to tackle the issue of dog fouling in our communities.
The Big Scoop Campaign will be in the Adur & Worthing area from Monday 15th – Friday June 2015. Throughout the week Dog Wardens and Park Rangers will be in various parks and locations around Adur & Worthing, with dog waste bags and expert advice.
Tues 16th June 2015 at Halewick Lane – all day
Wed 17th June at Honeysuckle Lane – morning
Weds 17th June at Storrington Rise – afternoon
Thur 18th June at Buckingham Park – morning
Thur 18th June at Southwick Rec – afternoon
Frid 19th June at Manor Sports Ground – morning
Frid 19th June at Victoria Park – afternoon
Dog mess is unsightly but it also carries unhygienic and potentially harmful parasites and it should be remembered it is each individual pet owners responsibility and legal obligation to clear up after their dog.
Dog’s Trust along with Adur & Worthing Councils advise all dog owners to help tackle dog mess issues in our communities and to always follow the bag it & bin it 4 step plan:
1. BRING BAGS with you before you set off on your walk
2. BAG THE MESS if your dog has fouled, but be careful to not get any on your hands
3. BIN THE BAG in any public bin
4. CLEAN YOUR HANDS using water or hand sanitizer
Super Scooper kits, including capes and rosettes, are free and can be found on the Dog’s Trust website., To find out more and order your kits please visit https://www.dogstrust.org.uk/whats-happening/issues-campaigns/the-big-scoop/be-a-scooperhero