Dog fouling in our streets and open spaces has been a particularly unpleasant problem in towns and villages right across the county for some time. But every now and again incidents reach a peak - usually during the darker winter months - and reports I’ve received about dog waste in Blackhall over the past week or so would suggest we've reached the latest peak.
A week ago I published an article on these pages about a report of dog fouling at the Scheme Houses: https://robcrute-blackhall.blogspot.com/2022/01/latest-update-on-reported-issues.html Particularly galling for most residents in this instance is the notion that some dog walkers are so disrespectful to our community - and seemingly unconcerned about the health risk to our children - that they would even consider leaving their dog's waste at the entrance to a childern's play area, especially when there are bins provided.
As I’ve stated in the article above, if there are instances of dog fouling at a specific location the council advises that this is reported immediately on: 03000 260 000 or at: help@durham.gov.uk This approach has two benefits; firstly the clean and green team will clear the area and in addition an increased number of reports relating to a particular location places pressure on the authorities to do something about it. It should also be noted that fines will be issued if and when dog walkers are ‘caught in the act’ or if someone is prepared to provide evidence.
This article is not intended as a blanket criticism of dog walkers. We all know from experience that the overwhelming majority of dog owners take responsiblity for their pets by cleaning up after them. However it only takes the inconsiderate actions of a handful of irresponsible dog walkers to risk tarnishing the good reputation of the rest.
Clearly there’s a need to identify that tiny minority of dog walkers who think the rules don’t apply to them - and who persistently allow their pets to use our streets as an open toilet. They evidently have no pride in our villages and couldn’t care less about the impact of their behaviour - but the decent, responsible people of this community deserve better. We all have a right to clean streets and open spaces and by working together we can make that difference.
If you are aware of any specific and persistent incidents of dog fouling in your area please report them to the council using the contact details as shown above.
