Merton takes action on dog mess

Merton Council is joining the latest Keep Britain Tidy campaign to clean up dog mess from its streets.

Posters have gone up around the borough displaying the strap line It happens…clean it up or face a fine up to £1,000. Council animal welfare officers will be out on the road offering residents free micro-chipping for their dogs, free dog waste bags and advice on responsible dog ownership.

The road shows kicked off this week in Morden Park and Morden recreation ground. The team will be on Figges Marsh in Gorringe Park Road, Mitcham on 23 September, Rock Terrace in Belgrave Road, Mitcham on 29 September and Joseph Hood Recreation Ground in Martin Way, Morden on 5 October.

Merton Council is one of 85 partner councils across England to have joined Keep Britain Tidy in their campaign to clear dog mess off the streets. According to the environmental charity there are currently around eight million dogs in the UK, producing approximately one million metric tonnes of faeces each year – enough to lay 1,300 Wembley pitches.

Merton Council cabinet member for environmental sustainability and regeneration Councillor Andrew Judge said: “The vast majority of dog owners are responsible people who care about our local streets and parks. They do the right thing and dispose of their dog’s mess properly – in a bin. Merton has over 330 bins specifically for dog waste, so there really is no excuse for it to be left on our streets. Recent news coverage of two-year-old Amiee Langdon who tragically lost partial sight in her left eye after falling in dog mess last month brings home just how important it is to clean up after our dogs. Mess free parks and streets are safer and more pleasant for everyone.

“The free dog chipping service we’re offering to residents will enable people to keep track of their pets. If their dog strays from home, having an implanted micro-chip will make it easier to find and reunite with its owner.”

-ENDS-

Note to editors

Dog chipping will be offered free to Merton residents. Non Merton residents can take advantage of the service for £6.00 (covers the cost of the micro chip).

The road shows are as follows:

Figges Marsh; 23 September; 1pm -3pm

Rock Terrace; 29 September; 11am-2pm

Joseph Hood Recreation Ground ; 5 October; 11am-1pm