Dog-walker is 'pooed-off' with pet-owners not cleaning up - The Stratford Observer

Dog-walker is 'pooed-off' with pet-owners not cleaning up

Stratford Editorial 4th Dec, 2017   0

A DOG-WALKER is pooed-off with pet-owners not cleaning up after their pooches.

Shannon Wardell – who runs dog-walking and training company ‘Pampered Paws’ in Bishops Itchington – is spearheading her one-woman campaign to encourage owners to clean up dog mess which she says is on the rise.

The 24-year-old from Wellesbourne is offering ‘poo-bags’ attached to a handy key-ring free-of-charge to fellow walkers caught short.

Shannon said: “I am on a mission to raise awareness of the dangers of dog mess and to help change the culture among pet owners to clean up after their dogs.




“The amount of fouling seems to be on the rise and so I hope the bags will help combat the crime.

“I will be trying to educate as many pet owners as possible as it is a legal requirement to pick up after your dog, and can lead to fines.


“I have had a positive response to the campaign to date. People are saying it is a good idea and great that as a professional I am trying to make a difference.”

The dog lover added the rise could be due to a lack of education, overflowing bins and a lack of signs.

But Stratford District Council revealed the number of complaints over dog mess has been falling – with 90 recorded this year compared to 150 made in 2015.

A spokesperson said once the council had filled its vacant dog warden position, it would support parish councils in running dog fouling campaigns and raising awareness of the potential danger of dog mess. It is responsible for a disease known as toxocariasis which can cause serious illness and even blindness.

Owners in both Stratford and Warwick districts also face being fined if they fail to clean-up after after their pet.

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