The whiff of frustration as dog mess mounts up

There has been a significant increase in the amount of dog mess left on pavements and public fields in recent weeks. In response, the town council has instigated use of the town’s CCTV to catch irresponsible pet owners and is calling on residents to name and shame those who don’t pick up after their pet.

Having previously welcomed dogs, the Sheldon Bosley Hub has been forced to issue a warning that they may have to close off access to their fields for dog walking if the situation doesn’t improve. Residents have been calling on dog owners to do the right thing: ”Please do not reduce a very limited choice of such space for dogs to exercise in Shipston to nil. We need you on our side. If we ALL clear up we can ALL use this field. Don’t disappoint us please”, one comment on Facebook reads. 

Shipston Rugby Club has already instigated a ban on dogs on the pitches, although dogs can be exercised along the path to the left of the pitch.

Mayor, Ronnie Murphy, said: “It is extremely frustrating that we are all being affected by a handful of irresponsible dog owners. Thankfully the majority of people do clear up after their pets. But in light of news that some areas may be closed off to all dogs, we are encouraging residents to name and shame those who don’t clean up. The Town Council has run public awareness campaigns thanks to volunteers giving up time to raise awareness of the issue but we need residents to get involved.”

If owners are caught not cleaning up after their pet, they can be fined or prosecuted. Shipston has access to the Dog Warden at Stratford District Council who is happy to support enforcement where evidence can be provided. 

For more information on how to report an irresponsible dog owner, please contact the Town Clerk on clerk@shipstononline.org or 01608 662180.