Alnwick councillors reveal frustration at dog fouling levels during pandemic

The matter was raised by Cllr Julia Lyford who called for the town council to adopt a more proactive approach to tackling the ‘perennial’ problem.

Cllr Gordon Castle said: “I think Covid has brought out far more dog walkers, far more people working from home and taking their dog for a walk. It's a growing issue.

"If you ask anyone in the town what really drives them mad it’s dog mess and litter.”

Cllr Martin Harrington said he found the level of dog fouling and persistent offending by their owners ‘very frustrating’.

But he claimed Alnwick residents were ‘too polite’ to complain.

"I could show any councillor a patch of at least 40 dog poos in a row,” he said. “If you think that’s acceptable, I’ll shut my mouth – but I don’t think it’s acceptable.”

The council agreed to do more to promote Northumberland County Council’s Green Dog Walkers Scheme.

"We’ve got an opportunity here to get it by the scruff of the neck and put it right,” said Cllr Harrington. “The county council have got a great scheme but we need to promote it and get it out there.”

The county council’s civil enforcement officers also have powers to issue ‘on-the-spot’ fines to offenders. Councillors felt it would be helpful if a dialogue could be opened up with the team so they could highlight problem areas.

The issue was referred back to the recreation and amenities committee which will discuss possible next steps such as putting out more dog waste dispenser bags.

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