Eco-graffiti to stop dog's mess in Exeter

Exeter city council is testing out plans to use environmentally friendly graffiti to encourage dog owners to pick up after their pets.

The council will be ‘tagging’ pavements with messages warning of the £1,000 fine for leaving dogs mess in public areas.

The stencils (pictured) show a dog above the message ‘Clean it Up! - £1,000 fine”

The messages will be tagged with a special chalk-based paint which washes away in the rain and leaves 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.