Monmouthshire County Council’s environmental health and waste and street cleaning teams joined in partnership with other public bodies by holding an awareness day on Thursday, April 11 to draw attention to the anti-social nature of dog fouling.

Working with local town and community councils and the police, efforts were centred on the north of the county, particularly Gilwern, Clydach and Goetre, in line with the community-led Give Dog Fouling the Red Card initiative.

Also focussing on the anti-social nature of fouling were pupils from Gilwern Primary School. As well as discussing the matter with residents and highlighting affected areas with chalk-based sprays, they have designed new signs for Llanelly Community Council aimed against dog fouling.

As with previous awareness days residents gave positive feedback, recognising the need to continue drawing attention to dog fouling, which remains an environmental concern.

Monmouthshire’s cabinet member with responsibility for environmental health, Councillor Sara Jones said, "Noticeable improvements have been made in recent years with a reduction in fouling on our streets and sports grounds.

"We really appreciate the efforts made by the vast majority of dog walkers who collect and properly dispose of the waste. Incidents still occur though and hotspots remain throughout the county.

"Awareness days such as this serve as a good reminder, particularly when local children are involved in initiatives which is always pleasing. The message is simple - please bag it and bin it."

Local authorities and Gwent Police are empowered to issue fixed penalty notices and owners failing to pick up their dogs’ excrement face a £75 on the spot fine.

If the person refuses to pay, and the case is taken to court the offender may be fined up to £1,000. Dog owners failing to pick up can easily be reported to the council via: http://www.monmouthshire.gov.uk/home/streets-parking-and-transport/recycling-and-waste/dogfouling/