Dog owners urged to put best paw forward during dark winter nights

Dog fouling has fallen by more than 50 per cent across Mid and East Antrim in recent months, but pet owners are being urged to keep up the good work over the winter period as the dark nights continue.

In a message to dog owners across the area, Mid and East Antrim Borough Council hope local animal lovers will continue to ‘leave only paw prints’ and remember that the dark nights of winter are no excuse for not cleaning up after their four-legged friends.

As an added incentive to keep our borough clean for everyone, members of the very successful Green Dog Walkers (GDW) scheme are encouraged to claim their free torch and collar light, as well as a fresh supply of ‘doggie bags’ from one of the Council sites at Ardeevin, Smiley Buildings or Carrick Civic Centre while stocks last.

A recent Keep NI Beautiful cleansing survey revealed that between July and September 2019, out of 100 streets, five were found to have dog fouling present, compared with 11 streets during the previous period.

The Green Dog Walker initiative has been running in Mid and East Antrim since 2018 and to date over 800 residents have signed up.

By taking the pledge, dog owners vow to clean up after their pet and encourage others to do the same.

To find out how to join visit www.midandeastantrim.gov.uk/greendogwalkers/