Wednesday, December 12, 2007

Peter Arronsen

Hello!

My name is Peter and I'm very pleased to be a founder member of this Blog, which focuses on two issues, which are the blight of modern society.

Firstly, however, a bit about myself. I am a civil servant, who believes that nature is a force, with which we should work. While bodily functions are a natural part of this harmonious living, there is a limit to the way in which modern living can accommodate old ways. Therefore, I and many like minded people tirelessly campaign regarding dog fouling.

I accept that many aspects of this topic might appear to be funny but I have nice carpets in my house and dog faeces simply do not go.

That said, I have often stuffed my foot into a good pile with a view to damaging the carpets of people, against whom I have a grievance. This is just further proof of the need to prevent such activity.

Red rubber bands are infuriating. Every day, as I walk to the railway station, I see the streets awash with this menace. I start the walk happy and get to the station absolutely enraged. Is it any wonder that there is so much vandalism?

On a personal note, when not campaigning, I get back to nature as much as I can. I often allow this to manifest itself in the way I enter fields and stand there screaming at the animals. Sheep make me do this in particular and sometimes I’m sick. Very cathartic!

The doctors and other authorities have always been very helpful and it is thanks to them that I am free today to carry on with this campaign. I can certainly assure you that I never want to go back!

Please support our cause and feel free to state how you feel about me, our campaign or life in general.

Thank you.

121 comments :

Richard at 23 Nov 2009, 11:32:00 said...

Hi Peter,

Your blog has really raised a smile to my face.

Thought you might like to see why?

www.poopsta.com

It's the world's first one-push poop scoop. And guess what it's owered by? Rubber bands!!!!

The red rubber bands work perfectly! It must be fate!

Kind of perfect for your blog don't you think?

Get in touch via the Poopsta website contact page. And we can have a chat?

Cheers,

Richard
at Poopsta - Give poop the push!

Anonymous said...

Love it, 2 of my pet hates all on one website! Calvin and Hobbes just had me hooting and all the poo and rubber band stress just seemed to dissipate. Just starting a local anti fouling campaign so I may be on here a lot!

Cathy

Anonymous said...

Peter,
You are such an icon - you work tirelessly on a subject that bights us all. Only today I entered a public open space to find that on leaving I had a large dog deposit on my shoe. I have to tell you that I was not amused.
S. T. Range

Anonymous said...

Peter,

Have you nothing better to do with your time than complain.
I have 2 dogs who mean the world to me, I can see nothing wrong with them doing what come natually, this in turn brakes down in to a rich compost.
Why should I have to clean it up, when I think about the high council tax I have to pay. Reading about you I expect that most of my tax goes to pay your wages as a civil servant. it is people like you who stick their nose into other people business and make judgements on subjects thay just dont understand.#

Diana

Peter Arronsen at 26 Jan 2012, 16:08:00 said...

Diana,

I assure you that I have never stuck my nose into a Dog's business!

S.T.Range, thank you for your kind observation, you are just the type of person we need to help us in this battle!

Anonymous said...

Peter

You are so right. I am quite sick of all these irresponsible dog owners not picking up after their dogs. I suggest that we form a group of volunteers who pick up after these irresponsible owners and follow them home. The pooch deposits can then be posted through their letterbox. This might make them think.

Agalle Hawkin

Peter Arronsen at 29 Jan 2012, 22:29:00 said...

Agalle,

Many thanks for your support! While we don't advocate breaking the law, I like your style!

Get those padded envelopes out and make them count!

Anonymous said...

Peter

I am interested in taking this forward and forming a campaign group. I saw a Bulldog owner let his dog drop one on the pavement near to my house. I kept my distance and followed the owner home to identify his house. I returned home and picked up my small garden spade and carefully collected the deposit and placed it in a small plastic bag. I waited for the darkness and returned to the owners house, and pushed it through the letterbox, ensuring that the poo was pushed out of the bag and smeared across the outside and inside of the letterbox.

I bet that the owners face was similar to the Bulldog's screwed up face when he saw what I had done.

Agalle 1 - Bulldog owner nil!

Agalle

Anonymous said...

Peter,
It really makes my blood boil that people do not have the time or the intelligence to clean up their dirty dog poo. I bet they would be the first to complain if I were to visit their home and walked dog poo all over their nice carpet or wooden floor. It is getting so bad that i have taken to scraping my shoes on the kerb before I go in doors. Whats wrong with these people, they just don't care about anybody else except themselves. I saw one of these selfish idots walking her dog along the pavement, it stopped outside a person driveway, the dog cocked its leg over the pillar them had a dump. The owner just then walked off, lit a cigarette and throw the empty packed and other rubbish from her pocket into the road. These idots should be publicly humiliated. Any ideas Peter.

Barbara.

Peter Arronsen at 12 Feb 2012, 14:58:00 said...

Well, there is certainly a lot of comment flowing from the blog!

Agalle, you have clearly developed quite a technique there, excrement through the letter box after dark and smeared around the edges! While this has, undoubtedly made you feel good, we do not advocate unlawful activity. That said, I'll bet that house was heaving come the morning!

Barbara, I have every sympathy with your position. I have just returned home to a heaving pile right outside my drive. I can only say that I don't advocate posting it to the offender or, if you do, don't get caught!

Wendy, thank you for your feedback, it is only by receiving this level of honest criticism that we are able to reflect upon our performance and improve. Can you tell us how much of the blog you read before forming your view, please? Also, did you see anything good in the site? Did you take any message away from it?

Thank you for commenting, you are all valued members of our global community!

Anonymous said...

Wendy

It would seem that you are not very happy with this site. I guess that you were not compelled to visit the site so wonder why you are so upset? Perhaps you need to walk through some of the deposits on the pavement to experience this at first hand. Or maybe your partner owns a Bulldog?

Agalle

Peter Arronsen at 19 Feb 2012, 22:23:00 said...

Agalle,

Thank you for your support, although I must observe that a bulldog leaves no more than a German Shepherd.

Thank you for keeping up the battle!

Wendy, have you reconsidered your view of us?

Anonymous said...

Peter,

I saw the Bulldog and owner today. I followed him from a discrete distance and watched his pooch drop one. The owner used a small garden spade and put the deposit in a plastic bag. What a result!

Wendy,

Positive action can have a positive result. If this site did not exist I would not be able to let you all know how this irresponsible dog owner has changed his ways.

I shall have to watch out for other owners who let their dog deposit the doo on our pavements.

Agalle

Anonymous said...

Everyone,

I found this useful site for Poop Bags

http://www.muttsbutts.com/

Agalle

Peter Arronsen at 20 Feb 2012, 15:03:00 said...

Agalle,

While we do not advocate breaking the law,you have clearly had a positive effect upon the behaviour of this person. Well done!

I'm a bit worried about the consequences of a horse fouling your street but perhaps we will cross that when it happens!

Great to have you on board!

Peter

Sheila said...

I've just stuck the 'There's no such thing as the Dog Poo Fairy' poster outside my house. This action was prompted by finding the second of two enormous piles of poo in three days outside my gate, (so large they could have been human!!!). I cleaned up the first one, but have no great desire to make a habit of cleaning up after someone else's dog, or to walking the poo into my house. So not only have I left the poster but have also left some latex gloves and poo bags there too, plus a small version of the poster stuck into the poo. Clearly no one wants to clean up dog poo, but it's the downside of owning an animal, and in the same way, as a parent, you have to learn to deal with nappies, then if you want to own a dog then learn to deal with the poo!

Peter Arronsen at 21 Feb 2012, 21:26:00 said...

Sheila,

Thank you for sharing that with us. Driveways and dog fouling form a big issue for us. I have had piles left outside my drive and even our latest blog post deals with this very topic.

I like your approach, you combine condemnation with the provision of the required facilities to enable offenders to improve their behaviour! I hope your approach works. If not, get in touch with Agalle, although we do not advocate unlawful action!

Thank you for joining our global fight and we look forward to hearing from you on many more occasions!

Anonymous said...

All,

I have just seen a letter that school children have been given to take home. It is fantastic and talks about children entering into a dog poo competition. The pavements in and around the School have been suffering from inconsiderate owners and the School has decided to hold an art competition for the children to design posters, that will be displayed, to try and educate those who choose to not clean up after their dogs. I would post the PDF, that I have scanned, on this site but am not sure how to do it.

Agalle

Peter Arronsen at 28 Feb 2012, 17:34:00 said...

Agalle,

Email it to peter.arronsen@blueyonder.co.uk, I will have a look at it.

Regards,

Peter

Anonymous said...

This site still is the biggest load of shit and it is getting worse. Just a group of small minded bigoted people who should keep their opions to themselves and get a life. Why don't all grow up and get yourselves girl / boy friends and have a real life instead of sitting in front of the monitor thinking what to say next.

Wendy

Peter Arronsen at 2 Mar 2012, 12:32:00 said...

Wendy,

Thank you for returning and sharing your views with us again. Please note that I am sure I would be willing to keep my "opions" to myself if I knew what an "opion" is.

What makes you think I don't have a life? I'll have you know that I have just been shopping in a supermarket!

If I were to get a girlfriend, I think my wife would object. I really don't think it is right that you should use this blog as a means of advocating fornication!

As regards growing up, I promise I'll start tomorrow!

Thank you, Wendy, for remaining a member of our valued, global community!

Anonymous said...

Wendy,

I get a feeling that you are not very happy with this site. I went to Asda the other day and found that they are doing a special offer in aisle 9 - Buy one life get one free. I respectfully suggest that you pop down to your nearest store before this special offer ends.

Anyway, I spotted a large steaming turd on the pavement just down from my house yesterday. I am thinking of setting up a covert camera to try and identify the culprit.

Agalle

Peter Arronsen at 3 Mar 2012, 22:53:00 said...

Agalle,

The covert camera is certainly a good idea! If that fails, stand by it singing in a loud voice. That will draw attention to the subject if nothing else!

Anonymous said...

Wendy,

I have reflected on the comments that you made earlier, and I wonder if you have sought the path of salvation? The path is long and winding and has many possible outcomes. It is a path that few follow. However, like a rainbow it has something at its ending, and in this case I believe it to be a pile of dog poo.

Agalle

Anonymous said...

Peter,

The camera is in place but has not captured any offenders yet. I tried the singing loudly but found that it only attracted the local Constabulary.

Agalle

Peter Arronsen at 4 Mar 2012, 17:19:00 said...

Stick with it, your efforts will pay off!

Anonymous said...

Peter, you are such a small minded opinionated prat, you knew exactly what I meant.

Wendy

Anonymous said...

Agalle,

The same can be said for yourself, no one else point of view counts. Anybody who shares a view opposite to Peter’s is mocked. All you are doing is taking a serious subject of the rights of free speech and turning it into a comedy.

Wendy

Peter Arronsen at 4 Mar 2012, 17:53:00 said...

I cannot reply immediately as I am having therapy to help me overcome the trauma of this onslaught!

Anonymous said...

Wendy,

Are you suggesting that I get a boyfriend too? I merely gave you some good sound advice, you had better hurry as the special offer ends at the end of this week.

Peter,

I hope that you are able to overcome the vitriolic comments made by Wendy. She clearly managed to find the spell check this time.

Anyway, back to the serious issues that Peter has kindly agreed to lead on for us. Still no poop droppers spotted on the camera.

Agalle

Peter Arronsen at 4 Mar 2012, 19:45:00 said...

Wendy,

I have now pulled myself together and feel I can respond.

Wendy, are you a dog owner and do you clear up? This information could help to inform the next phase of our discussions.

Long live opions!

Anonymous said...

Just found this site. It is what I have been looking for, a medium to vent my frustrations and anger. Why only today I saw this idoit hoodie with his token dog walking along the pavement. The dog wanted to go to the kerb but the hoodie stopped him and the dog produced a huge pile in the front of a drive way. The idiot then just carried on, leaving the deposit for someone to either step on or drive over.
This behaviour must be stopped. What is the best way to publicly humiliated them as Barbara suggests. We also have the same problem with cats they seem to believe that my garden is magnet for them. They all congregate and use my borders as their toilet. What ideas have you on this.
Keep up the good work Peter, Love the site

Jean

Anonymous said...

Jean,

Find out where the hoodie lives and make sure that some of the dog doo is posted back to his house.

Long live opions.

Agalle

Peter Arronsen at 13 Mar 2012, 22:55:00 said...

Jean,

Welcome aboard!

The concept of cat fouling is an interesting deviation from the main theme. Generally, cats bury their mess, thus reducing the problem. Perhaps there is an issue regarding your local cats being parted from their mothers at too early a stage in their feline socilaisation?

As regards the trophy dog and the fouling issue, I totally oppose Agalle's suggestion that the excrememnt should be posted back to the house of the offender. That would be illegal! If, however, you broke the law in this way it would make a serious point and possibly teach respect (not that I advocate it!!!).

Opions for ever!

Anonymous said...

Opions rule forever!

Anonymous said...

Peter,

What about the ever increasing cigarette butt menace? I walked past a bus stop today and the ground was literary covered in cigarette butts. It is disgusting. Do you have any views?

Disgusted of Bexley

Peter Arronsen at 1 Apr 2012, 10:30:00 said...

Yes, I agree, this is almost as bad as red rubber bands!

I wonder if Wendy has a view on this?

Anonymous said...

Disgusted of Bexley

Why dont you get something to do that is constructive? You are all a bunch of sad people.

Wendy

Peter Arronsen at 5 Apr 2012, 21:42:00 said...

Actually, I'm quite happy!

Anonymous said...

Peter,

Been a follower of red rubber bands for a while and occasionally look at this site.

I just had to write to let you know,

I been collecting red rubber bands for well over 3 years and made them into a ball. This is now the size of a large football. I do not know how much bigger I can make it, as the bands are now getting to full stretch, time and elasticity will tell!!

Thought you might find this Interesting.

Robert

Peter Arronsen at 9 Apr 2012, 14:39:00 said...

Robert,

Welcome!

Always good to receive such news. Perhaps you might like to post this to the internet and leave the link here?

Anonymous said...

Peter,

Where do you get these people from, its now moved on from dogs leaving their shit on the streets to cigarettes and red rubber bands.
Still writing senceless dribble & rubbish Peter.
Agalle, they are offering 2 lives for the price of one in Tesco's might be worth your consideration. - Opinionated Prats

Wendy

Anonymous said...

Wendy,

Thanks for the heads up. I did go to buy some but was advised that a opionionated woman had bought them all up. Apparently, the staff advised me, the person purchasing them couldn't spell either. It must be a small world.
Anyway, I agree with the post regarding cigarette butts in the street. These disgusting people not only want to pollute the air we breathe, but want to litter our streets with their butts.

Agalle

Peter Arronsen at 13 Apr 2012, 18:48:00 said...

Wendy,

You are clearly a troubled person. Have you had a bad experience with dog excrement? Have you been victimised for your opions? Have you had red rubber bands left on your driveway?

Do you feel your life is whole?

Anonymous said...

Thanks Peter and I agree with you about Rupert Bear! Although Winnie-the-Pooh is still my favourite!

Ron

Peter Arronsen at 25 Apr 2012, 18:21:00 said...

Ron,

Many thanks for your observation. I have little idea regarding your meaning, alright, no idea at all but you are very welcome!

Anonymous said...

Peter
Why can not peope understand that dog fouling is such a problem?
It's a health risk. Round worm eggs (Toxocara) in dog faeces can cause blindness, epilepsy, asthma and eye infections. The worm eggs can survive in the soil even after it’s rained, so children playing on grass are much more at risk. The bacteria can cause sickness and diarrhoea
It's socially unacceptable. It spoils the environment around people’s homes and can be carried into the home by a deposit on the shoe.
Don’t let your dog roam the streets.
Always carry a “poop-scoop” when walking your dog. Remember to take a poop-scoop as you remember the lead. A plastic carrier bag is all you need!
Scoop the poop every time your dog fouls.
Dispose of the fouled poop-scoop in a waste bin or take it home and put it with your household refuse or bury it.
Report the idiots that let their dog Poop on the streets, in or on driveways, or on public land. These idiots should be make example of and publicly humiliated. 3 months community service cleaning the local environment.

Barbara

Anonymous said...

In 2010 the UK dog population was estimated to be 8 million, with dogs producing approximately 1,000 tonnes of excrement each day. In a recent survey of over 10,000 sites dog fouling was present on 7% of these sites. Some dog owners still fail to clean up after their dogs and the highest level of dog fouling can be found in areas where people actually live.
It is the the responsibility of the dog owner or the person in charge of the dog to clear up any dog foul left by their dog. If you fail to clean up after your dog you can be issued with a Fixed Penalty Notice, or if the case goes to court a fine of up to £1,000.

The regulations state specifically, that being unaware that the dog has fouled, or not having a suitable means of removing the faeces is not a reasonable excuse for failing to clean up after your dog.

If someone fails to clean up after their dog, the council will clear dog fouling from public places that it has a legal responsibility for. Over 90% of councils have dog wardens and over 80% of councils provide dedicated dog waste bins.

Eric

Anonymous said...

CALLS to name and shame dog owners who allow their pets to foul sports pitches are being backed by a football league secretary.

Denny Hogan, from the Deeside Sunday Football League, said its pitch at Mainetti Park in Greenfield had previously needed to be cleared of dog mess before matches could kick off.

Now he is supporting calls from a top official at the Football Association of Wales Trust to publish images of regular offenders.

He said: “People who walk along the street pick up the mess, but it seems on football pitches they don’t clean up after their dogs. It’s a public pitch and doesn’t just affect the team, but everybody who uses it. It’s not nice.” Mr Hogan added: “I think naming and shaming would be a good idea as it may embarrass them and act as a deterrent.”

Tim Broome, development officer of FAW Trust, said dog mess on pitches was unacceptable.

He said: “The last thing I want is for volunteer coaches to have to go out on to pitches and clear up dog mess left by irresponsible dog owners.

“I would go as far as to say they shouldn’t be allowed on sport pitches.

“They are valuable in the area as there aren’t many of them and we don’t want them to be unusable because of dog mess. It’s unpleasant as well as a health and safety hazard.”

Scott Rowley, interim environmental protection manager for Flintshire County Council, said: “It is an offence for those in control of dogs to allow fouling and then fail to remove their waste.

“Flintshire County Council and North Wales Police are working together to tackle dog fouling and help to make our communities cleaner, greener and safer.
“Patrols by officers are now under way across the county.”

Anyone that chooses to not clean up after their dog in Flintshire can be issued with a Fixed Penalty Notice for £75.

Offenders who are caught allowing their dogs to foul school playing fields will be escorted from the site, formally warned and will be liable to a summary conviction in a magistrates Court of up to £500.

To report incidences of dog fouling, call 01352 701234.

Eric

Anonymous said...

DOG owners on a Colchester estate are being urged to clear up their dog mess.

Zone wardens from Colchester Council, supported by dog wardens and councillors, spoke to more than 50 pet owners in Greenstead during a dog action day.

The campaign was launched after residents voiced concerns about the level of dog fouling in the area.

Betty Watson, zone manager, said: “All bar one of the people we spoke to had bags with them, which proves there are a lot of responsible dog owners out there.

“Those that tend to just throw their dogs out rather than walking them are the main offenders.

“It was a good response and highlighted that there are plenty of responsible dog owners in Greenstead with good behaviour.”

Parents and children were also targeted during the school run.

Children from St Andrew’s Junior School have also designed posters calling on owners to clean up after their dogs. The posters are due to be displayed around the estate from next month.

Eric

Anonymous said...

Still dribbling on I see!!!

Wendy

Peter Arronsen at 8 Jul 2012, 23:36:00 said...

Eric,

Many thanks for sharing those thoughts with us. You clearly have an in depth knowledge of the subject matter and obviously care deeply about dog fouling. We need more people like you, who are committed to investigating dog mess wherever it might be found. Personally, I would wallow in it all day if it meant that we could eliminate it as an issue!

Wendy,

How nice to hear from you again! I see that, with every passing day, you draw nearer to becoming a full member of the battle against this foul practice!

Thank you for, once again, endorsing the efforts being made on this blog!

See you again soon!



Do make sure that you return regularly to help us in our global battle!

Anonymous said...

Peter,

Can you think of nothing better than to be on your computer at 23:36 on a Sunday night, dribbing on!!!!

Wendy!

Peter Arronsen at 11 Jul 2012, 07:46:00 said...

Wendy,

Your comment so moved me that I simply had to reply!

To accommodate how you feel, I've changed to a morning reply. Does that help you to find the path?

Looking forward to your return!

Anonymous said...

Peter,

I know where I going on the path of life, I wonder if you do Peter?

Wendy

Peter Arronsen at 15 Jul 2012, 14:47:00 said...

Wendy,

I see you are now communicating in early afternoon. You are clearly a 24 hour devotee of the cult!

Wherever your path leads you, watch where you are treading!

Anonymous said...

Dog Fouling
According to recent surveys the waste left behind by dogs is the single biggest environmental concern that people have about their local area. The overwhelming majority of people (95% of those questioned) find dog waste unacceptable. With an estimated 4 and a half million owners allowing their pets to foul and around 1000 tonnes of dog waste produced daily in the UK there is a clear need to raise awareness of the need to ‘pick up the problem’.

Health Risks
Dog waste is not only an extremely unpleasant and unwelcome commodity it is also the perfect breeding ground for bacteria (Campylobacter and Salmonella) and other forms of infection. The most damaging of these is caused by the roundworm Toxocara canis. The eggs of this parasite are present in much dog waste and although initially not infectious, once the eggs hatch they pose serious health risks to any individual unlucky enough to ingest infected soil. The effects of Toxocariasis range from mild flu like symptoms that often go undiagnosed to a more worrying form that affects the eye and can lead to permanent blindness. The risks to health from Toxocara infection can be limited by always washing your hands after coming into contact with any soil and ensuring that dogs are wormed regularly, particularly puppies and lactating bitches.

Responsibility
Every dog owner should be aware that it is their legal requirement to clean up the waste left behind by their dog. The most straightforward means of controlling dog waste is to train the dog to go at home. Training is best accomplished in young dogs but effective training can be given a dog of any age. You can teach an old dog new tricks! As a responsible dog owner you should not allow your dog to go out without supervision, as being unaware of your dog fouling is no defence, it is also possible that the Councils’ dog wardens could seize your dog.
Cleaning Up
When out with your dog you should always be prepared to clean up if your dog defecates. Dog waste bags are easily carried and readily available from most pet stores and vets. Plastic carrier bags can be re-used for the same purpose. Dog waste wrapped in this way can be disposed of in any ordinary litter bin or red dog waste bin. If no litter bins are available the waste should be taken home and placed with normal household waste.

Eric

Anonymous said...

Hi Wendy

Good to see you back.

Peter, Sorry for the absence, I have been rather busy dealing with cigarette butts.

Agalle

Peter Arronsen at 15 Jul 2012, 22:54:00 said...

Eric,

Once again, many thanks for the supportive information!

Agalle,

I know how you feel. Cigarettes deserve a blog of their own and have you ever seen one in dog faeces?

Wendy is now close to the path and, indeed, we welcome her!

Anonymous said...

The drains /gutters have not been cleaned why I have been living here and that is nearly 6 years. I am sick of moving dog faeces from my front due to years of dogs attracted to it and using it as a fouling location. Signs should be put up on streets stating no dog fouling or clear it up!! Dog owners keep letting there dogs fouling on your front and leave it there, I have walked it in my house a lot of times and so have my children, is there any chance of signage being sprayed on the floor or put on walls.

Ron

Anonymous said...

Dog Fouling - Be Responsible
Estimates put the UK dog population between 6.5 and 7.4 million - that's an awful lot of excrement to be disposed of responsibly!
Much of the excrement is left on footpaths and in parks and where we can step or fall in it and when it covers pram wheels and wheelchairs.
Dog fouling
As well as being unpleasant and unsightly, dog faeces can carry a parasite called Toxacara, which can cause an infection called 'Toxacara canis'. At its worst this infection can cause blindness.
Fixed penalty notices
A dog owner found breaking a dog control order may receive a fixed penalty notice (FPNs) from an Authorised officer of £75.
Always carry something to clear up after your dog. A simple plastic bag will do, or nappy bags are a cheap alternative. Even better, get biodegradable purpose made bags from any pet store or veterinary in Thurrock.
Be a retriever
Always carry something to clear up after your dog. A simple plastic bag will do, or nappy bags are a cheap alternative. Even better, get biodegradable purpose made bags from any pet store or veterinary in Thurrock.
What type of dog owner are you?
Do you 'bag it and bin it'?
Well done!
Do you leave your dog's mess?
Then you are a public enemy and you may be fined. Always take a bag with you when you walk your dog - 'bag it and bin it'
Be responsible for your dog
If you have a garden, encourage your dog to 'go' there. It is easier to clean away or even bury in your own garden.
Always 'bag it and bin it' when you are walking your dog.
Never let your dog out alone to go to the toilet.
Don't walk too many dogs at once.
Don't allow your dog to foul the pavement or on grass verges.
Be aware of 'dog free' areas .
There are no excuses, not cleaning up after your dog is anti-social and illegal. Be green - 'bag it and bin it'!
Remember - always take a dog bag with you when you walk your dog. Leave one with the lead and you won't forget!

Anonymous said...

Eric

Anonymous said...

Peter,

The solutions are simple, even for Wendy!!:

•if you have a garden encourage the dog to 'go' there. You can then bury the mess or alternatively clean it up and bin it.
•if you walk your dog always carry the means to clear up after your dog. A simple plastic bag will do the trick or obtain poop scoops from a local pet shop. Remember to take a bag or poop scoop like you'd remember a lead.
•every time your dog fouls "bag it and bin it". Take the poop scoop home and dispose of it there. Remember Rain does not wash the problem away.
•never let your dog out alone to "go to the loo".
It is every dog owners duty to clean up after their dog.

There are no excuses, fouling is unacceptable!

Contact with canine excrement can lead to blindness due to an infection called 'Toxocara canis'.

Eric

Anonymous said...

Agalle,

You are quite right to see the cigarette butt as a problem.

According to ButtsOut, the world annually discards about 4.3 trillion cigarette butts. By some estimates, 30% of all cigarettes smoked end up as litter, and although small in themselves, can create over 500,000 tonnes of pollution per year. Traditional butts are made of "synthetic polymer cellulose acetate" and never degrade, only breaking apart after roughly 12 years. Yet within an hour of contact with water, cigarette butts can begin leaching chemicals such as cadmium, lead and arsenic into the marine environment. And that's not counting for the fact they also end up in in the intestines of "fish, whales, birds and other marine animals". So what to do? New Scientist recently reported on a British company, Stanelco, who through the takeover of an European company, think they might have an answer: ...... the biodegradable butt. Calling it the 'green' butt is a bit of stretch, somewhat like the proverbial enviro-friendly landmine. But nevertheless it is a step in the right direction. Made of food grade starch, such as found in potatoes and rice, it apparently decomposes within two months. Some are concerned however, that such a development might indeed increased cigarette litter, if smokers now believe nature will take responsibility for disposing of their waste. Remember, as we've said many a time, with regard to biodegradable plastics -- a micro-organism rich compost environment is required for their decomposition. Street gutters and roadside verges are not such places.

Eric

Anonymous said...

Hi Agalle,
More info on the dreaded weed.

There is a lot of misinformation out there regarding cigarette butt litter. The biggest myth is that cigarette filters are biodegradable. In fact, cigarette butts are not biodegradable in the sense that most people think of the word. The acetate (plastic) filters can take many years to decompose. Smokers may not realize that their actions have such a lasting, negative impact on the environment.
This myth has been perpetuated not just by the wishful thinking of many smokers, but also by the cigarette companies, who have taken great pains to keep their customers in the dark on this issue. It is very common for highly littered items such as soda cans, snack wrappers, and fast food containers to have a simple "Please Don't Litter" message. You won't find such a message on cigarette packs. Although our contacts in the industry are at a loss as to why they can't take this simple step, our best guess is that they would prefer to leave their customers blissfully ignorant. Maybe they think that people will smoke fewer cigarettes if they have to be responsible for disposing of them. We think they ought to give their customers the benefit of the doubt. Smoking and littering do not have to be synonymous, as many smokers have proven by example.

What happens after that butt gets casually flicked onto the street, nature trail, or beach? Typically wind and rain carry the cigarette into the water supply, where the toxic chemicals the cigarette filter was designed to trap leak out into aquatic ecosystems, threatening the quality of the water and many aquatic lifeforms. Cigarette butts may seem small, but with several trillion butts littered every year, the toxic chemicals add up!

The best way to educate the public about this serious environmental problem is to start with people you know. If someone you know litters their cigarettes, just point them to this site. Tell them if they visit the site, you won't bug them again, but don't let them remain blissfully ignorant! If you really feel uncomfortable addressing the issue head on, check out our anonymous e-mail page, which sends a friendly notice about the importance of proper cigarette butt disposal. Talking over the problem in person is more effective, but an anonymous communication is much better than none at all.

Eric

Anonymous said...

Hi Agalle

More info to help your cause

Peter,
As well as the dirty dog fouling, we need to develop the blog into the problem of the cigarette butt which Agalle has rightly identified.

Cigarette butts are the most commonly discarded piece of waste worldwide. It is estimated that 1.69 BILLION pounds of butts wind up as toxic trash each year, creating an enormous environmental, health, and economic burden.
Contrary to popular belief, cigarette butts are NOT biodegradable! Cigarette butt waste is a huge environmental issue, with a global impact -- it is both unsightly and unhealthy.
Cigarette butts are more than mere litter; environmental and health groups are just now appreciating the seriousness of the butt problem, from bio-accumulation of poisons up the food chain to damage to commercial fisheries and water supplies. A recent study showed that cigarette waste easily meets standardized tests for city and state agencies to label a substance as toxic waste. This hazardous material persists in the environment for some time and is often ingested by aquatic creatures, wildlife, and pets, not to mention small children, who suffer serious health problems as a result. Cigarette filters are made from cellulose acetate, a plastic that can break into smaller pieces, but will never biodegrade or disappear. What's worse is that the filters themselves are a sham. They offer no health protection and are simply a marketing device to give the appearance that a cigarette is somehow safer.
A study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on small children who had ingested cigarette butts concluded that one-third of them exhibited symptoms of illness such as spontaneous vomiting, nausea, lethargy, gagging, and flushing. Cigarette butts leach toxins into the water and kill or injure various forms of wildlife. In addition, the plastic parts of cigarette butts can be ingested by fish, birds, whales and other marine animals. According to the Surfrider Foundation, cigarette butts are the most frequent item collected during the group's beach cleanups. The good news is that smokefree beach laws help reduce butts on beaches by 45% according to the Audubon Society. Discarded cigarettes are also a major cause of fires.
The cleanup costs are immense - the city of San Francisco has estimated that it spends $11 million per year cleaning up butts. The city has proposed a first of its kind fee on tobacco retailer licenses to help recover the cost of cleanup. We expect more cities and states to label cigarette butts as toxic waste and to pursue policy approaches to address this serious environmental problem. A study published in the April 2011 issue of Tobacco Control, estimated that "tobacco product litter (TPL)" comprises 22 to 36 percent of all visible litter. Estimated removal costs range from $3 million to $16 million for major cities and municipalities.
A May 2009 study published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health stated, "Several options are available to reduce the environmental impact of cigarette butt waste, including developing biodegradable filters, increasing fines and penalties for littering butts, monetary deposits on filters, increasing availability of butt receptacles, and expanded public education. It may even be possible to ban the sale of filtered cigarettes altogether on the basis of their adverse environmental impact. This option may be attractive in coastal regions where beaches accumulate butt waste and where smoking indoors is increasingly prohibited.

Eric

Anonymous said...

Peter,
this problem is just as bad as dog fouling, you need to be ahead of the game as your with the horrible dog fouling. Agalle is right on it!

Smoking related litter’ (cigarette ends, packets and cellophane, matches and cigarette lighters) is the most commonly found items of litter, accounting for over 40% of street litter in the UK.

122 tonnes of cigarette ends are dropped everyday across the UK (that’s about 200 million of them), with an estimated 4.5 trillion cigarette butts dropped worldwide every year.

At a local level, 85% of sites surveyed across the Falkirk Council area in the period 2004-5 contained smoking related litter. With the advent of the smoking ban on 26th March of this year, we have seen a marked increase in the number of cigarette ends discarded on our pavements and streets.

Why do they cause such a problem?
•Cigarette ends can take 5 to 12 years to fully biodegrade due to the cellulose acetate they contain
•Discarded butts can be harmful to birds and marine life
•Because they are so small, cigarette butts easily get caught in paving stones and gullies and are therefore difficult to clean away effectively
•People tend to use the tops of litter bins to stub out their cigarettes but often leave the butts on top of the bins. This is not only unsightly but the butts can then blow away, increasing the litter problem.
•Cigarette ends are litter – if you do not dispose of them responsibly you could face a £50 fine for littering
How should they be disposed of?
•Please use the litter bins provided to dispose of your stubbed out cigarettes.
•We can provide free personal ashtrays on request. These are designed for the temporary disposal of cigarettes until you reach a bin. The ashtrays are made of fire-resistant plastic and can hold up to 10 cigarette ends. Please contact us for further details.
•We can also provide free-standing and wall-mounted smoking bins on request to businesses, pubs and clubs. These are available at cost price and we can provide advice on their siting, affixing etc. Information postcards can also be provided for your customers.

Peter Arronsen at 25 Jul 2012, 11:46:00 said...

Eric and Ron,

Thank you very much for adding so much to the debate!

As regards spray painting the signs, I suggest that you petition your local authority and send them a link to this site.

It is interesting to see that Scotland features regarding cigarette ends, there is also a huge fouling problem up there.

I can only say that, with warriors such as yourselves on board, this toxic battle will be won!

Anonymous said...

Hello Peter, Just come across your blog, this is driving me mad.

I have just moved to a new house in North London near Hampstead Heath since I divorced my husband for his short comings. And boy was they short!!
Anyway, my house is on the path to the heath and this path is covered with doggie doos. There are a couple of women who meet up every morning, just past my house; they have 6 dogs between them. They stand and chat, while letting the dogs loose; the dogs are all over the path leaving their calling cards which is never cleared up and left for someone to tread in.
I would have words with them but you know the kind of people they are, Jeremy Kyle could have a field day. If there is a sentence without F*** in it, they would not understand it.
I have spoken to the council about the mess and the smell, but so far nothing, I expect that they are the wrong people for the council to chase.
I am planning to take some photos to shame that, could you put them on the blog?
I am sending a link to your site to the council to show them how people across the country feel about this dog fouling curse and will ask them to contact you for your expert campaign advise to stop this unnecessary blight on good honest peoples lives.
Keep fighting for us Peter

Hannah

Anonymous said...

Hi Peter,

Have been away for a few weeks, see not much has happen on the blog, must of been the Olympics and the holidays. We must keep up the fight on cigarettes being dropped and littering the country.
Cigarette butts are the most common form of litter, as an estimated 4.5 trillion cigarette butts are thrown away every year worldwide. Many chemical products are used during the course of growing tobacco and manufacturing cigarettes, the residues of which may be found in cigarettes prepared for consumption. Additionally, over 4000 chemicals may also be introduced to the environment via cigarette particulate matter (tar) and mainstream smoke.

Methods Using US Environmental Protection Agency standard acute fish bioassays, cigarette butt-derived leachate was analysed for aquatic toxicity. Survival was the single endpoint and data were analysed using Comprehensive Environmental Toxicity Information System to identify the LC50 of cigarette butt leachate to fish.

Results The LC50 for leachate from smoked cigarette butts (smoked filter + tobacco) was approximately one cigarette butt/l for both the marine topsmelt (Atherinops affinis) and the freshwater fathead minnow (Pimephales promelas). Leachate from smoked cigarette filters (no tobacco), was less toxic, with LC50 values of 1.8 and 4.3 cigarette butts/l, respectively for both fish species. Unsmoked cigarette filters (no tobacco) were also found to be toxic, with LC50 values of 5.1 and 13.5 cigarette butts/l, respectively, for both fish species.

Conclusion Toxicity of cigarette butt leachate was found to increase from unsmoked cigarette filters (no tobacco) to smoked cigarette filters (no tobacco) to smoked cigarette butts (smoked filter + tobacco). This study represents the first in the literature to investigate and affirm the toxicity of cigarette butts to fish, and will assist in assessing the potential ecological risks of cigarette butts to the aquatic environment.

Keep up the good work
Eric

Peter Arronsen at 25 Aug 2012, 18:08:00 said...

Hannah,

Thank you for posting here and thank you for joining the fight!

Firstly, I urge you to bring this disgusting series of offences to the attention of your Safer Neighbourhood Team. You can use this link to Hampstead Town SNT. If that's the wrong team, use the search facitity to find the right one.

As regards pictures, please email relevant material to peter.arronsen@blueyonder.co.uk and we can feature it on the blog. We lack operatives in the Central/North London area and we welcome your input.

Lastly, I cannot stress enough that it would be wholly illegal to gather up the faeces and post them to your ex husband. I condemn, out of hand, the very thought and urge you to consider the consequences very carefully!

We look forward to hearing from you again!

Anonymous said...

Hi Peter,
Have just come across your blog, a man after my own heart. Anything and anybody that affects the environment need adressing.

My name's Tim Barnes and I pick up litter.

It started when I happened to noticed how litter strewn one of my favourite walks in the Cotswolds had become. Next time I did the walk I took a carrier bag with me and picked some of it up. After that, it was if someone had given me litter spectacles - I started seeing it everywhere.

I noticed it most when I was out cycling. Even in the Cotswolds, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the roadside verges are covered in it. It is almost impossible to find a mile of litter free country lane.

Now I go out with large refuse sacks and fill two or three at a time. I do it because I love the countryside and can't stand by as we turn it into a landfill site.

The UK is one of the most heavily littered countries in Europe. A couple of years ago my wife and I cycled from Calais to Istanbul. Of all the countries we travelled through only Serbia had more litter than than the UK.

Litter is a complex problem and there are no quick, easy solutions. It boils down to two key issues:
A signicant proportion of the population still thinks it is OK to drop litter, particularly when they are in their cars.
Hardly anyone picks it up.
Stopping people littering is very difficult. Twenty years of poster campaigns, TV adverts, and voluntary agreements, have had little effect on littering behaviour. More resources are going into litter wardens and on the spot fines, but it is difficult to catch people in the act of littering.

One initiative that is proven to lead to a significant reduction in littering is a Bottle Bill, a 10p refundable deposit on cans and plastic bottles. However, at present this is not even on the Government's radar.

In the mean time, we need to do a better job of picking up litter. This is not something that can be left to Local Authorities to solve. We all need to get into the habit of picking up litter.
Urban litter is just about under control. Drop a plastic drinks bottle on a city street and the Council will pick it up - it may take a few hours or a few days, but it will be picked up eventually. Drop the same bottle on a rural lane and the chances are it will never be picked up. Very few councils undertake regular litter picks in the countryside.

In the city there is also the possibility that people might be caught and fined for dropping litter. In the countryside, the risk of being caught and fined is negilible.

The good news is that litter picking in the countryside is a really pleasant thing to do.

Best wishes
Tim

Peter Arronsen at 25 Aug 2012, 18:20:00 said...

Eric,

On the contrary, much is happening! Please see our posts regarding how Cornwall is flowing with faeces!

Nice to hear from you again and hope you had a good holiday!

Peter Arronsen at 25 Aug 2012, 18:24:00 said...

Tim,

Well done and mind the faeces as you go!

Anonymous said...

Hannah,
You must be at your wits end. You could aways confront them, however, judging by your description of them this might not be the best course of action and they will know where you live!
It is an offence for anyone in charge of a dog to allow it to foul on any land within the city unless they clear it up.
This includes any open land, road, footpath or grass verge.
Owners who fail to clear up will be prosecuted and could face a fine of up to £1,000.
It is no defence to say that you had nothing to clean up with: always carry a poop scoop and a bag.
If you know who the person is then you should contact the safer neighhood team as Peter suggests of your council dog warden and give them the name and address of the offender.
You must be sure that you have actually seen them allow their dog to foul and fail to clear up - it is not sufficient to assume that because a person walks that way each day it must be their dog causing the mess.
The dog warden may also ask for a brief description of the dog, the owner or a car registration number of the offender.
If they walk at a regular time each day the dog warden can patrol the area at these times.
This information will enable the dog warden to make enquiries and take the necessary action against the offender.
Failing to clear up dog fouling is a criminal offence.
The maximum penalty on conviction is a fine not exceeding £1,000. Alternatively, the council may issue a fixed penalty notice of £50.

If I can help in any way let me know via the blog

Eric

Anonymous said...

Peter

What about setting a clean up group, I would be willing to assist you. Find a spot that requires a good up, take some photos and we can start the ball rolling. it is such a fun and worthwhile thing to do.
Looking forward eagerly to your positive response.

Tim

Peter Arronsen at 25 Aug 2012, 18:58:00 said...

Tim,

The problem with that is that our activity allows the authorities to avoid their responsibility!

Peter Arronsen at 25 Aug 2012, 23:18:00 said...

Eric/Hannah,

Be sensible! Always remember that they can move their dog but you can't move your house!

Speak to your Safer Neighbourhood Team (police unit, not council). Get the neighbours to complain as well and it could become a local priority. Some PCSOs can issue tickets. Ideally, you want action taken without your involvement.

If you find out where they live, do not post any faeces to them. Doing so would contravene the Malicious Communications Act. Smearing it on their door handle would also be a crime!

Don't do any of that, leave it to the authorities!

Anonymous said...

Hi Peter

I've done a search but can't find anything on here. Does anyone have any tips for deterring dogs from using the tree on the pavement outside my house as their communal toilet? I've found lots of tips for deterring cats and foxes but not for dogs - do you think the same things would work?

Every time I leave the house or get out of the car I have to avoid stepping in dog mess. I know that it's the owner's responsibility and they should pick it up, but they don't, they just leave it lying around. I was thinking of putting a sign up, but that might cause a bit of friction so I was thinking of sprinkling something around the tree so that the dogs wouldn't want to go there anyway.

Any suggestions welcome! Thank you.

Norman

Anonymous said...

Hi Norman,

I’ve had an idea if you do catch the dog fouling and the owner with it, firstly follow them home so you know where they live. Then the next time it happens put the poo in to a paper bag and place on the owner’s door mat and light it causing a little fire, then ring the bell and run as fast as you can. Owner answers the door sees the fire and tries to put out using their feet!! hahaha

Barry

Peter Arronsen at 26 Aug 2012, 21:34:00 said...

Norman,

There is an ancient method of deterring dogs from using a tree. It requires three men and three women to dance naked around the tree at midnight. At precisely seven minutes past midnight the men throw their hands into the air and scream "fouling, fouling be gone foul practice!" The women kneel and scream "it heaves, it heaves, it heaves".

That said, success is not guaranteed!

Barry,

We do not advocate the use of fire - too much potential danger! Also, it must not, I repeat NOT be posted for the reasons stated above!

Anonymous said...

How about wiring up the street lamps to a puddle under the tree? As soos as the dog drops one it will get a shock right up it's ring!

Peter Arronsen at 27 Aug 2012, 08:53:00 said...

Quite wrong to hurt a dog!

Anonymous said...

Peter

I have not dropped by for a little while for various reasons and have just managed to catch up with some of the comments left here. I was a little disappointed to note some of the comments left here that do not seem to be very serious.

Agalle

Peter Arronsen at 28 Aug 2012, 16:53:00 said...

Agalle,

We have to see the lighter side of this. It is such a serious topic that, without humour, we could all become depressed!

Anonymous said...

Still at it you bunch of tossers

Wendy

Peter Arronsen at 7 Sept 2012, 21:39:00 said...

Wendy,

How nice to hear from you again!

Many thanks for the constructive criticism!

Would I be right that you study Shakespeare?

Anonymous said...

Properly in the pub named Shakespeare.

Silly tart.

Barry

Anonymous said...

Peter,

THE number of complaints about dog fouling in Liverpool have rocketed – but the number of people being fined for letting their pets foul the streets has fallen.

In the past five years the rate of complaints has risen by a massive 991%, up from just 130 in 2007 to 1,419 in 2011.

But the number of fines handed out has fallen from a peak of 781 in 2007 to just 77 in the first six months of this year – a slump of 95%.

Opposition leaders said the figures clearly showed the council was not taking the issue seriously enough.

It is understood some of the decline in the number of people penalised for not cleaning up after their pets was due to the loss of up to £1.5m of funding for environmental services because of government cutbacks.

That cut saw the number of environmental enforcement staff drop from around 80 to 21.

Cllr Tim Moore, Liverpool council’s cabinet member for the environment, said: “Tackling dog fouling is a top priority.

“We have raised the level of fines from £50 to £80 and our street nuisance team will continue to take a tough line against the irresponsible minority who do not clean up after their dog.”

Barry



Anonymous said...

Peter,
Here’s a story that is doing the rounds in the ‘Believe it or not’ columns of the newspapers. Some boffin is rubbing his hands delightedly, as they’ve actually persuaded the municipality of Jerusalem to commission research into a DNA testing programme… for dog poo. Yes, wardens will be able to do DNA tests on any stray turd in the street, match it to a database of registered dogs, and the convictions will roll in.

Barry

Anonymous said...

Peter,

Bonfire night… when all the fireworks go off and our pets go a bit funny. Recent changes to the law mean that fireworks can’t be set off between 11pm and 7am (apart from on 5 November, New Year’s Eve, Chinese New Year and Diwali, when the curfew is later), but that’s little consolation to Fido cowering under the bed for the preceding 6 hours. Usually there a whole lot of good advice for pet owners, or, to be honest, for dog owners mostly. It seems that cats don’t quite complain so much – or perhaps their owners don’t. Anyway, this year the DEFRA webpage giving advice to dog-owners has some suggestions which are slightly different to the usual common sense about keeping the animal indoors and not fixing fireworks to it with duct-tape and so on. They point out that:

The Protection of Animals Act 1911 makes it an offence to infuriate or terrify any animal.

DEFRA further suggests these slightly more unexpected items:

•Do not try to acclimatise your dog to the noise by insisting it faces the noise, they may never get used to the noise and you may be causing damage.
•Surprisingly your dog may jump into the bath! This shows its instinct to run into holes when danger is present.
•You may find that your dog starts to dig, this is following the same hiding instinct.
•If your dog shows any tendency to hide, let it.
Now that all sounds like good advice to The Ranger, although the jumping in the bath thing is a new one. But the idea of actually trying to make your dog endure the fireworks by “insisting it faces the noise” seems bizarre. Does anyone really do this? It sounds like some kind of Victorian dog-training technique. “Damage” seems like a bit of an understatement. Anyway, most frightened dogs seem to make plenty of noise of their own, without any need to be ‘made to face it’. Can infuriating an animal really be an offence? The Ranger has a friend who loves to entertain himself by infuriating his cats – and come on, now, you must admit that if you own a cat, you must have tickled their ears whilst they sleep enough to make them infuriated. At least once, surely. And who has not drawn back their arm with a big stick in it and then pretended to throw it? How infuriated can a dog get? Maybe ‘infuriating’ meant something a little more severe back in 1911. Keep safe, this firework night, and keep your pets safe too. Make sure that Guy Fawkes is the only one who gets a roasting!

Barry

Anonymous said...

Peter,

At this time of year the leaves begin to flutter from the hedgerows as the winter draws on. We countryside managers are about to discover just where the summer’s clutch of dog-poo bags have been hidden this year. It’s something that The Ranger has considered before, and he is delighted to discover that a very comprehensive new bit of research on this topic has just been published, carried out just over the water in Hampshire – and at some of the sites he used to work on no less.

So, what’s the answer? The research included in-depth focus group discussions with many dog walkers, and part of the results were as follows:

…it was often commented that some members of the’out-group’ would bag their dog’s mess, but then fling it into a nearby bush or tree once out of sight of other people. Such walkers appear to be conforming to the subjective norms of the community of dog walkers (the’in-group’) in order to be accepted by that group and/or not reported by their peers to a site warden. Once out of sight, their own beliefs and attitudes concerning how to deal with their dog’s mess prevail. The fact that the’bag it and fling it’ dog walkers want at least to be seen to be part of the’in-group’ suggests that there is scope for promoting groups and group norms. It also substantiates the need for agreement on what is acceptable behaviour amongst the group and the extent to which deviant behaviour should be tolerated in’exceptional’ circumstances or exposed as not conforming to the group norm. For example, at one site, a participant had independently erected simple notices to the effect that’bag it and fling it’ behaviour was not acceptable to other dog walkers, with some noticeable improvement in reducing the activity as a result.

So, they do it because they think they can get away with it, and if they thought they’d be caught they wouldn’t do it. Perhaps that wasn’t too hard to predict. It is noticeable that the Warden is an important element in this process, too. Perhaps more helpfully, the research does include many suggestions for constructive ways forward on the dog mess and many other issues. It’s well worth a read for that alone. For example:

It is possible to use group cohesion and peer pressure to encourage people to behave in a desirable manner. However, messages need to be constructed in a way that reinforces group norms. For example, on the issue of dog mess, norms might be communicated via appropriate signage, such as: “All of our responsible dog walkers pick up after their dogs, please join in”, or, together with picture of someone walking away from dogs mess: “What makes you special? Please pick up after your dog”

The entire document is most illuminating and positive, and gives The Ranger plenty of ideas to try out. Have a read. What do you think?

Barry

Anonymous said...

Peter,

This is more like it!!

The anti-poo wardens have been introduced by Islington Council in north London in an attempt to catch repeated dog foul offenders.

Members of the public are also being encouraged to 'shop a dropper' through a newly set-up hotline.

Islington Council's zero tolerance approach will see the Dog Squad patrol dog foul hot spots, issuing £80 fines to irresponsible dog owners.

The undercover poo patrol, thought to be the largest dog enforcement team of its kind in Britain, started its work earlier this month.

Dog Squad: Councillor Paul Smith with his anti-poop wardens (Picture: Islington Council)
.Islington Councillor Paul Smith said: 'Residents are sick of dog mess, and we're taking strong action against irresponsible owners.

'Dog-fouling is anti-social and there's no excuse. There will be zero tolerance for those who refuse to do the right thing. Our Dog Squad is targeting hot spots, and there will be fines and court action for anyone caught letting their dog foul our community.'

Poo crimes and updates on penalties and patrols will be also be reported by the team on Twitter with the hash tag #thedogsquad.

However, opposition Liberal Democrat councillor Greg Foxsmith has ridiculed the newly-introduced plans.

'Never in the history of street cleaning has so much been paid by so many for poo,' he said.

'In a few weeks’ time, when the money has been squandered and the contract is over, the streets of Islington will once again be paved with dog mess.'

Typical liberal Leftie response to a good hard hitting idea.

Barry

Anonymous said...

Barry,

Do not call me a silly tart, you small minded bigoted individual. Spend some time in the real world.

Wendy

Peter Arronsen at 14 Sept 2012, 09:35:00 said...

Barry,

Thank you for this wealth of information. DNA testing, including in Israel, has featured on this site.

I applaud your approach to dog fouling and animal welfare, good man!

Can you publish a link to the document mentioned above, please?

Wendy,

I agree, there was no need to call you a tart!

Anonymous said...

Peter,

The 2009 survey of British litter What's Littering Britain? showed that Coca-Cola was Britain's worst littered brand. The survey showed that 4.9% of British litter was Coca-Cola cans and plastic bottles. When other brands distributed by Coca-Cola, such as Fanta, Oasis and Relentless are taken into account the proportion of litter attributable to Coca-Cola rose to 7.8%. The survey also found that Coca-Cola litter is very endemic - littered Coca-Cola products were found in 94% of the sites survey.



7.8% of litter might not sound a lot, but lets look at what it means in practice. In 2008 I cycled a 19km route through rural Gloucestershire and counted, plotted and photographed (and picked up) every bottle or can I passed from these brands.

Tim

Peter Arronsen at 2 Oct 2012, 22:48:00 said...

Tim,

Good man! Did you spot any dog fouling?

Anonymous said...

I had 10 minutes to kill, though I would look at the mind numbing rubbish you prats have got up to. Last of the summer wine comes to mind.
There is no stopping you is there, you now have even more small minded idiots like yourself "operative SR" going around looking for dog mess. You need to get real jobs and care for real things in life.
As for Tim, words fail me. Barry just shove it.

Wendy

Anonymous said...

Hi Peter

Dog Fouling
According to recent surveys the waste left behind by dogs is the single biggest environmental concern that people have about their local area. The overwhelming majority of people (95% of those questioned) find dog waste unacceptable. With an estimated 4 and a half million owners allowing their pets to foul and around 1000 tonnes of dog waste produced daily in the UK there is a clear need to raise awareness of the need to ‘pick up the problem’.
Responsibility
Every dog owner should be aware that it is their legal requirement to clean up the waste left behind by their dog. The most straightforward means of controlling dog waste is to train the dog to go at home. Training is best accomplished in young dogs but effective training can be given a dog of any age. You can teach an old dog new tricks! As a responsible dog owner you should not allow your dog to go out without supervision, as being unaware of your dog fouling is no defence, it is also possible that the Councils’ dog wardens could seize your dog.
Cleaning Up
When out with your dog you should always be prepared to clean up if your dog defecates. Dog waste bags are easily carried and readily available from most pet stores and vets. Plastic carrier bags can be re-used for the same purpose. Dog waste wrapped in this way can be disposed of in any ordinary litter bin or red dog waste bin. If no litter bins are available the waste should be taken home and placed with normal household waste.

Barry

Anonymous said...

Just seen the stupid comments from that silly cow Wendy, the best way for her to see sense is to take some dog poo round to her and I know exactly where to shove it.

Barry

Peter Arronsen at 9 Oct 2012, 22:47:00 said...

Barry,

Thanks for your information. Once again, it is clear that you are fully with us in this battle and we welcome your input!

Wendy,

Thanks for coming back to see us again. I sense very much that you want to be part of our community but are finding it hard to make that final step.

Do not be afraid (as you clearly are at present). You have only to take a small step and you will become a fully integrated member of our community.

Welcome, sister, we are with you!

Peter

Anonymous said...

Peter,

I hope that the small, silly minded tart Wendy takes the steps you suggest, and she steps on a big pile of dog poo and treads it in her carpet. Then she will be with us in the fight to stop this disgusting habbit of idiots letting their dogs shit and just leave it behind. It affects the environment and the health of people, not to me the cost of cleaning your carpet / floors. Wendy, how about a nice big pile through your letterbox!!!!

Love Barry

Anonymous said...

Hello Peter,

I take this opportunity to vent my anger at the inconsiderate morons who keeps disposing their plastic carrier bag of dog fascias in my garden. My house backs on to public open space, I am fed up to the back teeth with the job of clearing up this disgusting waste every day from the mindless individuals who can not be bothered to take their rubbish home and think (if that is possible for them) that it is a good idea to donate to me.

John Baker

Peter Arronsen at 19 Oct 2012, 17:12:00 said...

John,

I fully understand how you feel.

I urge you to set up some form of surveillance to identify this individual/these individuals. Be covert, get his/her/their address/addresses.

Once you have done that, the next course of action is simple. Buy some padded envelopes and remember that they have letter boxes.

Of course, we never advocate illegal action so cast the thought from your mind!

Anonymous said...

I thought I would revisit the world of insanity.

You wasters are still at it then?

Barry you are the biggest bigoted bore going, you call me a silly tart, you have the firmest grip on stupidity of anyone.

Wendy

Peter Arronsen at 1 Dec 2012, 16:30:00 said...

Wendy,

How nice to hear from you again, we hope all is well with you!

Given your repeated desire to return, have you considered becoming registered as one of our operatives?

Peter

Anonymous said...

Merry Chrismas Peter, and to all of your followers

Wendy, Don't get the holly stuck up your arse, it might put a smile on your face!!!

Barry

Peter Arronsen at 22 Dec 2012, 19:46:00 said...

And a Merry Christmas also to you and Wendy. May we all fight the good fight in the coming year!

Anonymous said...

Peter

Nothing better to do, so I thought I might have a look at the Sad Gits Blog.
A Happy New Year.

Barry you are the Shadow, the light bulbs of your intelligence are so dim, it is but a mere flicker. You are such a PRAT, you would be a good contender for The Only Way is Essex

Wendy

Peter Arronsen at 28 Dec 2012, 15:25:00 said...

Wendy,

How nice to hear from you again and a Happy New Year to you as well!

Given that you and Barry are drawn to this blog, perhaps your joint New Year resolution could be to join together to help us fight the good fight against dog fouling.

Who knows, perhaps romance could be in the air? This would be better than the stench of dog faeces!

Anonymous said...

bollocks

Peter Arronsen at 23 Mar 2013, 09:41:00 said...

Thanks, I like a good, intellectual exchange!

Anonymous said...

What ha been wrong with the site, I have been trying to make comments but the site would not let me
Barry

Peter Arronsen at 16 Jun 2013, 09:48:00 said...

Barry,

All is now fixed, welcome back!

Anonymous said...

Well, the site is active then, I bet poor old Barry has been has no one to talk to. When are you going to relax and leave the poor dogs to do their business as nature intended?

Wendy

Peter Arronsen at 26 Jun 2013, 23:07:00 said...

Wendy,

How nice to hear from you again. The site has always been active! As long as there is excrement to clear up, we will be here!

You seem ever close to joining us! Would you perhaps like to sign up as one of our operatives?

Anonymous said...

Peter,

They are still dumping in my garden

An ode

No matter how far you wonder, no matter how far you roam. Please remember that you should always scoop the poop, bag it, and bring it back to your home.

John Baker

Anonymous said...

Peter,

Dog fouling is consistently one of the highest sources of complaints by the public to their MPs, local Councillors and local authorities.

Estimates put the British dog population at between 6.5 and 7.4 million, producing 1,000 tonnes of excrement a day. The annual cost of cleaning this mess is a staggering £22 million (EnCAMs 2005).

Dog fouling is not just unsightly, it can prove hazardous to people's health too, leading in some cases to an infection called toxocariasis which can lead to serious eye damage if contracted.

Tim

Peter Arronsen at 23 Sept 2013, 11:43:00 said...

John,

Thank you for your poetry, I hope it inspires others to take some bags of excrement home with them. Do you have any poetry regarding potential uses for the bags?

Tim,

You are absolutely correct. 1,000 tonnes is a tremendous achievement by the British public, we salute them! Carry on aiding us in our campaign, we need like minded individuals to carry the torch!

Peter

Anonymous said...

Peter
Not a lot of activity on the comments page. Nothing since 23 September 2013 then. Have your followers got fed up and moved on to more mature issues in life!!!!!
Wendy

Peter Arronsen at 14 May 2014, 14:37:00 said...

Wendy,

Thank you so much for returning to help us continue with the struggle!

The lack of comments appears to be because our followers have now united in common purpose and there has been little to report as the battle continues!

Perhaps you might like to let us know what you have been up to recently? Are your streets clean?

Peter

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