Schoolchildren design clean up message to dog walkers

Year 6 pupils at Birdham Primary School hope the signs will raise awareness of the issue and persuade those responsible to clean up after their dogs.

The council often receives complaints from children and parents about dog mess in parks where children want to play. By involving those in the community who are affected the council hopes it will send a message to irresponsible dog owners. The Dog Warden visited the school to work with the children and create pictures highlighting the problem. Birdham Parish Council chose five of the best designs to be professionally printed onto permanent signs. The signs will be paid for by Birdham Parish Council.

The result of the children's efforts will be colourful and hardwearing signs warning people of their responsibility to bag and bin their dog's mess. These eye-catching signs will now erected at various locations around Birdham.

Pupils were keen to make sure that dog owners take responsibility for their pets and that they clean-up after them.

Councillor John Connor, Chichester District Council's Cabinet Member for Environment, says: "The response from the pupils was very encouraging and we were delighted to work with them with the aim of raising awareness of the need for dog owners to clean-up after their pets. It's totally unacceptable that some people let their dogs foul public places."

Angela Parks, Chairman of Birdham Parish Council, says: "There were so many wonderful posters, that it made our job of choosing a winner very difficult. We have decided therefore to use five different designs from the 32 that were submitted to us. You can see the five winning posters being held by the pupils."

Coming into contact with dog faeces can cause 'toxocariasis' which can lead to serious illness and even blindness. Children are particularly vulnerable to this.

Failing to clear up after your pet is a criminal offence and those found to be responsible could face an on-the-spot fine of £75.

To report problems with dog fouling or provide details of offenders please contact dog control. Any information given will be treated in strictest confidence.

Date: 30 April 2012

Reference: 3107