Writing on the pavement for irresponsible dog owners in Exeter

The writing's on the pavement for irresponsible dog owners!

In a bid to crack down on the menace of dog poo, Exeter City Council has decided to spell it out to those owners who fail to pick up after their pets.

The Council is trialling spraying messages on city pavements where the problem occurs, warning of potential £1,000 fines for those owners who fail to pick up the mess.

The stencils show a dog doing its business and carry the message beneath it ' Clean it Up!' , with '£1,000 fine' on the line below.

The spray is chalk based, environmentally friendly, and will wash away after rain, leaving no residue.

Cllr Keith Owen, Lead Councillor for Environment, Health and Wellbeing, said: "Most dog owners in Exeter are responsible about their duties and pick up after their pets, but like anywhere, there is a small minority who spoil it for others.

"We're hoping that the threat of £1,000 fines might make those who don't pick up, think again. We are watching and will prosecute if see people not picking up."

The stencils are currently being trialled in and around Ladysmith Road, where there has been a particular problem with repeated dog fouling, even outside the school.

If successful, the stencils and spray will be rolled out to other parts of the city.

Anyone who has information about dog fouling in the city can contact 01392 265147 to report it.