We launched Dogs Against All Litter Autumn 2017. We had been concerned with the amount of fast food, plastics and general acceptance of litter seeming to be the norm in our streets, parks. Gardens and open spaces.
We’ve been clearing local areas such as the beach and streets since November 2016 and have collected and disposed of over 80 bags of litter.
I was so concerned about the litter I wrote to Richard Drax, who very kindly referred my concerns to Defra and forwarded a reply from Dr Therese Coffey MP. In the letter she refers to The Litter Strategy and the introduction of powers available to councils under the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014. She also makes reference to Public Space Protection Orders. Which allows them to issue a notice to owners to tackle litter including taking remedial action up to 100m from the premises.
As we have seen this is a continuing problem along Radipole Park Drive along side the bird reserve, Weymouth Beach. A Litter Strategy Group who will review and update this guidance.
Following discussion with The Friends of Lodmoor Country Park, I became a member to receive updates about an area I and other dog walkers use regularly.
I have been in regular contact with the group, informing Dog Friendly (Weymouth) Facebook group members and also sharing information regarding restrictions on Dogfriendly.social Facebook page with locals and visitors.
The Friends of Lodmoor Country Park are always looking for volunteers to help and I’ve taken on a role of not only sharing where dogs need to be on a lead (in the area defined on the map on the information board) which is the area known as the green gym and Galleon Playground. This allows families to enjoy a walk with their dogs, while children are helped onto the equipment.
Unfortunately due to the area insufficient information signs, people have been walking dogs off lead along the fence which borders St John’s School, resulting in FOLP asking for the dog warden service to attend at 7.30am to approach people who 1) didn’t know about the area. 2) where unsure about the PSPO in the park. 3) Had seen signage with showed the whole of the park to be a dog exercise area. This resulted in local people who had been enjoying an early morning walk with their family dog in the park. Being approached in all areas of the park, being told their dog needed to be under close control.
We have also been in communication with the Parks department regarding raising funds or sponsorship for dog bags dispenser. We hope to continue to discuss this, it seems sponsorship is not allowed in our parks and gardens. The machine would be the total responsibility of whoever arrange for it to be sited. It would need to be in keeping with the open park feel.
As you can see in the photo this is myself with my dogs and the new Helping Hands HandiScoop. I purchased it locally hoping to help with not only litter picking but also to help with any dog litter also.
We do feel undervalued as members of our local community. We feel persecuted for having family which includes dogs. Unfortunately negative news makes the headlines. Have you seen how many dog owners report crimes, pick litter, or help people without judging them. The other photo shows a young family whos little girl ran over and cleaned up after her dog.
Many people will know my dogs are my unofficial assistance dogs, we have many members of our group who have assistance dogs, they have been refused entry into places. Even someone who is blind was put in an embassing position of having to quote the law to one establishment.
Yesterday I walked in Lodmoor Country Park where one of my dogs came into contact with an opiate, fortunately he is not a puppy, older dog or suffering ill health. 24 hours later he is still suffering from the effects of this drug. We visited the vet who assured us he will recover in time. He had to be given pain relief to help with stomach cramps.
When the POSO were created why was it just against dog owners? When all the evidence points towards humans who created litter which is devastating our world. Dogs don’t take drugs or leave dangerous items around. Yet dog owners have become one of the most discriminated against members of society. For those who will quote illnesses spread by dogs, please read the facts. For those who say owning a dog is dangerous to children’s health please read the latest scientific research which shows pregnant women babies and young children who have dogs in their lives have a much lower risk of developing allergies and some cancer.
Unlike the media who claim we force our dogs onto people, have no control over them jumping up or attacking other dogs or people. Please look at the statistics regarding people harming babies, children or adults. I am appalled by anyone being harmed by any living being.
thank you
Linda Stevenson
