Love your beach? Then Don’t be a Dumper!

Teignbridge District Council has launched their 2017 ‘Don’t be a Dumper’ campaign, aimed at getting people to pick up after their pooch and reduce the amount of dog mess left on the sands and seafront areas of local resorts.

Throughout the week, starting Monday 30 January, Teignbridge’s resorts staff will be using glow in the dark temporary spray paint to mark dog mess on the promenade areas. Dog wardens will be out in force and will fine anyone who is seen not picking up. A clear up will take place on Friday 3 February to remove what’s been left behind.

Research shows that dog fouling is a major concern to the public. What’s also a big problem is the increasing amounts of bagged dog faeces being left behind as people fail to dispose of the bags after cleaning up after their pets.

Dog mess is not only unsightly but once the tide comes in, it also pollutes the sea that we swim in and can sometimes be seen along the shoreline in dog bags. It can be harmful to marine life and takes many years to biodegrade in the ocean.

Cllr George Gribble, Teignbridge District Council’s Executive for Recreation and Leisure said: "Dog fouling is a serious offence. Teignbridge is committed to maintaining clean beaches and open spaces that can be enjoyed all year round by locals and visitors alike.

"Most dog owners behave responsibly and pick up and dispose of their dog’s mess in the bins provided by our beaches and seafronts. Unfortunately some people do not clear up after their dog and this is who we are targeting. There are a variety of health implications, which can affect people of all ages, as a result of coming into contact with dog faeces.

"Our message to those who aren’t doing this is: Don’t be a Dumper – help us make Teignbridge an even nicer and cleaner place by clearing up after your dogs and don’t leave it to someone else. We will investigate complaints of dog fouling, patrol problem areas and prosecute offenders."

Don’t be a Dumper is supported by Teignmouth and Dawlish Town Councils, businesses, Dawlish Warren Tourism Group, and Teignmouth and Dawlish Town Centre Development Manager Tracy Scranage.

Mayor of Dawlish, Cllr Angela Fenne said: "It’s shame that a few irresponsible dog owners make it necessary to spend public money reminding them to pick up after their pets. Dawlish Town Council is grateful that the district council is trying to tackle this problem and we all hope that our streets and parks will now be kept clean so that everyone can enjoy their walks."

Mayor of Teignmouth, Cllr Terry Falcão and Mayoress, Judy Saunders said: "We completely support this campaign. As responsible dog owners we want to ensure that we keep our town clean for everyone to enjoy. This is not about targeting responsible dog owners it is about raising awareness and reminding people that it only takes a second of your time to clean up after your dog to make a difference to the whole community."

Tracy Scranage, Teignmouth and Dawlish Town Centre Development Manager of the Teignmouth and Dawlish Community Interest Company, said: "The Teignmouth and Dawlish Community Interest company are happy that Teignbridge have decided to run this campaign again as it really highlighted the issue. Dog fouling cannot be allowed to blight our lovely town centres and seafronts.

"We are all aware that a vast majority of our dog owners who walk their dogs on the seafront, and indeed are a vital part of the economy, pick up their dogs mess and these owners are as irritated as we all are by the ignorant few who give all dog owners a bad name."