Preston City Council launches its ‘Penalty!! for foul play’ campaign on Friday, targeting dog owners who do not clean up after their pets.

Over the next four weeks, dog welfare officers will be stepping up their presence in parks and recreation areas in Preston, talking to dog owners about the campaign and handing out free poop scoop bags. Signage will be displayed on bins and council vehicles making dog owners aware of the campaign.

The launch event coincides with national ‘poop scoop’ week and hopes to draw attention to the plight of young football teams using Preston’s pitches who have to put up with dog fouling on their pitches.

Dog welfare officers increase their patrols at this time of year and they have the powers to issue fixed penalty notices to owners seen not picking up after their dogs.

Councillor Keith Sedgewick, Mayor of Preston said; “This is a serious problem and anything we can do to highlight it must be welcomed. The majority of dog owners are responsible people but there are still some who are not and that is who the campaign is aimed at. In the summer when lots of people are making use of our beautiful parks and fields, we do not want that to be spoiled by dog fouling. This event will be enjoyable and good humoured but hopefully people will take away a serious message.”

Also attending will be Preston North End’s Deepdale Duck who will lead a penalty shoot out, and students from nearby Moor Park High School who use the pitches for physical education lessons and football matches.

Background Information

• National “Poop Scoop” week runs from Monday 22nd – Sunday 28th June.

Date Published: 23/06/09