Parish council launches campaign against dog fouling

Wroughton & Wichelstowe Parish Council has launched an innovative campaign to tackle dog fouling.

The primary objective is to encourage behaviour change among dog owners, with the aim of reducing instances of dog fouling across Wroughton and Wichelstowe.

They have boldly declared an ambition to become a ‘poo free parish’ by persuading dog owners to pick up their dog mess.

The communications campaign, entitled Poo Free Parish, will see the parish council work with the local community to encourage responsible dog ownership and keep the local green spaces free of dog mess.

Cllr Lisa Campisano, Chair of the parish council’s open spaces committee, said: “Our message is simple – we’re asking dog owners across Wroughton and Wichelstowe to help us become a poo free parish.

“We love our dogs and our green spaces, and we want to remind people that stopping to pick up their dog mess is easy to do and can save us all a lot of unpleasantness.”

Dog fouling is more than a nuisance. It can present a health risk, spoil public spaces for families and children and detract from the appearance of communal areas.

Wroughton and Wichelstowe is a rural parish and popular green spaces such as the Weir Field, Maunsell Way and open spaces around Wichelstowe often attract dog mess.

By calling the campaign Poo Free Parish, the parish council wants to take a more light-hearted approach to tackling the issue, encouraging dog owners to do the right thing rather than threatening people with penalties.

Cllr John Hewer, Chair of the parish council, said: “Most dog owners in the parish are responsible and already clean up after their pets, and we would like to thank them for helping to keep Wroughton and Wichelstowe clean.

“This campaign is about encouraging everyone to do the right thing every time. By picking up after your dog, you are helping to protect public health and improve our environment.”

Over the coming weeks and months, residents will see new posters displayed around the parish, regular reminders on the council's social media channels and website, and information highlighting the importance of disposing of dog waste responsibly.