Heywood resident says no to dog fouling

Heywood resident Jean Gray is handed a Foul Play red card from Natalie Williams (working on behalf of the council)

A Heywood woman is appealing to dog owners to stop allowing their pets to do their business outside her home – or risk being reported to the council.

Jean Gray’s plight is one suffered by many people, and Rochdale Borough Council is urging those who’ve had enough to report the culprits as part of its Foul Play campaign against dog fouling.

Whilst speaking to the council’s Foul Play campaign officers, Mrs Gray said: “I’m always dodging dog muck outside my house and I’m fed up of it. They never seem to let their dogs foul outside their own homes do they?

“If I see it happen again I will report it to the council because I’m sick of it now.”

Even if you don’t know where they live, give the council a description of the owner, the dog, and the time and place of the offence so it can start piecing together the evidence and track them down.

Mrs Gray added: “Don’t they realise it’s dangerous and against the law? What if I fell in it, or a little child? I used to own dogs myself and I always picked up their mess because it’s not fair on other people to leave it lying around.”

Councillor David Clayton, Cabinet Member for Environment and Leisure at Rochdale Borough Council, explains why the people of Heywood need to take a stand against dog fouling and show the perpetrators the red card:

“I really do urge people to report to us in confidence anyone they see failing to pick up their dog’s mess. Even if you don’t know who they are or where they live, the more people who come forward with information the more chance our enforcement team can get a result that’ll make a difference.”

To report ‘Foul Play’ go to www.rochdale.gov.uk/foulplay or call 0845 226 1800. Or go to your nearest council customer service centre and speak to an advisor. All information given will be treated in strict confidence.