Council unleashes green dog walkers

 

A new initiative has been launched in Northumberland to stop residents and visitors falling foul of their most loyal friends.

Northumberland County  Council is introducing the Green Dog Walkers scheme, a community-led programme to reduce dog fouling and promote responsible dog ownership across the county. 

Dog walkers are now being encouraged to join up by signing the Green Dog Walker pledge. Those signing the pledge agree to always clean up after their dog and put the bag in a bin and to use a friendly approach to encourage other dog walkers to do the same.
Northumberland County Council will provide a Green Dog Walkers support  kit to local community groups and  individuals who want to get involved. 

Those that sign up will be sent a green dog walkers  armband to wear when walking their dog  to help draw attention to the scheme. They will also be sent green doggy bags and pledge leaflets.

Green Dog Walking is intended to be a friendly and non-confrontational approach to changing attitudes to the problem of dog fouling. It will complement other existing  council approaches being delivered across the county  including issuing fines when irresponsible dog owners are caught allowing their dogs to foul without picking up after them and also through educational initiatives promoting responsible dog ownership. 
 
Northumberland County Councillor, Glen Sanderson, cabinet member for the environment and local services said: 
 
" Failing to clean up after your dog is unacceptable. Dog fouling is one of our top environmental priorities and one of the issues most commonly raised with us by residents. Not only is it unpleasant but dog dirt can carry serious diseases which  can cause blindness and liver disorders, and children are the most susceptible.  
 
“The council’s dog wardens work hard to educate the public on responsible dog ownership and our commitment to effective enforcement will continue as before with patrols in problem areas across Northumberland
 
“ Green Dog Walkers will have the power to add to their efforts and change attitudes about dog fouling in Northumberland  in a positive and friendly way.” 
 
Local ward member for Hexham East, Northumberland County Councillor Cath Homer  said :
 
“ I would encourage as many people as possible to get involved and sign the pledge, so we can work together to make a real difference and improve the environment for everyone in Northumberland.”
 
If you are interested in becoming a Green Dog Walker, please email greendogwalkers@northumberland.gov.uk, or for further information about the scheme you can visit the council’s website www.northumberland.gov.uk/greendogwalkers