‘Pick it up’ is the no-nonsense message to dog walkers in a new council campaign aimed at tackling dog fouling.
Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council wants to ensure everyone understands they must pick up after their canine companion - or face the possibility of an £80 fine.
Campaign messages will be used across social and local media to reach the local dog-owning and dog-walking community.
A number of images used as part of the campaign feature dogs looking ‘embarrassed’ or ‘shocked’ that their humans haven’t picked up their mess.
The messaging, which aims to make dog owners think about the impact of their decision, asks questions like: Really – you’re just leaving that there? and Why can’t you just pick it up?
Endorsing the new ‘Pick it up’ campaign, Councillor Martin Gregg, Chair of the Council’s Environmental Services Committee said: “Dog fouling continues to be an issue across residential areas in Lisburn and Castlereagh.
“Letting your dog foul in a public space is not pleasant for anyone in the community. It can ruin people’s walks, local neighbourhoods and affect the lives of those who live nearby, so I urge all dog owners to pick up after their dogs.
“Before leaving for your walk, please pack and carry bags to clean up after your dog and dispose of the waste in a litter bin. There is no excuse for not picking up after your dog and any bin will do.
“This campaign is to show that owners should feel guilty and embarrassed for not picking up after their dogs. It’s not a choice whether to pick it up, it’s a necessity.
“Also, if you are a regular dog walker and witness dog fouling, please report it. If you are able to identify the person who hasn’t picked up, the council may be able to take formal action.
“Together, we can keep our parks, open spaces and public areas clean for everyone.”
To tackle dog fouling, the Council operates a fixed penalty policy. An £80 fixed penalty fee will be issued for not cleaning up after your dog. You must pay the £80 fine within 14 days to avoid the possibility of prosecution.
To report dog fouling, visit https://www.lisburncastlereagh.gov.uk/resident/environmental-health/report-a-problem/dog-fouling-littering-fly-tipping and also download our new Reportable app.
The app allows residents to report instances of littering, graffiti, dog fouling and fly tipping in their local area at the click of a button and photographs can be included.
You can also call our Environmental Health team on 028 9244 7397.
Caption: Chair of Environmental Services Councillor Martin Gregg is joined by Enforcement Officers Cathy Hardy and Katy Wilson to promote the new 'Pick It Up' Campaign.
