'I've made picking up dog poo my business'

19 hours ago

Matt WeigoldDerby

News image — Kyle Newby started his pet mess pick-up service in March 2025

BBC A man in a green hoodie is picking up dog mess from a grassy garden using a small black mechanical scooper. He is holding a carrier bag in the other hand. He has a bald head, black trousers and black trainers. There is a shed, BBQ, wooden bench, stacked chairs, large plant, lawnmower and clothesline in the garden. The house is semi detached in light brick with a white open door and window. — Kyle Newby started his pet mess pick-up service in March 2025

A professional dog poo picker says elderly and disabled customers would not be able to keep their four-legged companions without the service he offers.

Kyle Newby, from Littleover in Derby, clears gardens across the East Midlands and said many of his clients requested a weekly appointment because they were physically unable to remove the waste themselves.

He said social media commenters who had described his customers as "lazy" or "irresponsible" were being unfair.

"Some people just physically can't do it," he said. "Disabled people, that's who we mostly deal with, they can't really do it themselves so they love us."

One of his customers is Lulu Singh, from Long Eaton, whose mobility issues mean she struggles to pick up after her French bulldog Buddy.

"I wouldn't be able to have him," she said, having employed Newby for the last few months.

"I'm disabled, so I can't exactly do it myself. So I thought, yeah, that's a great idea."

A woman in a t-shirt with long dyed red hair is sitting in an armchair in front of a desk. He has large earrings and a chain with a crucifix. The table has a mug, remote control, phone, tablets, inhaler and paperwork on it. She has a metre-long grabber beside her resting on a radiator. There is a carriage clock and a small basket of brushes and make up by her side. — Lulu Singh says she relies on the weekly service

Newby set up Pet Poo Pick with a construction colleague in March 2025 and it is one of a small handful of firms offering the service in Derbyshire.

He said he was inspired by similar businesses in the US boasting a multimillion-pound turnover and franchise opportunities.

"The first customer we got in Hucknall [Nottinghamshire], his daughter and son live in America, and they told him about how they do it over there," he said.

"They asked him to see if there's any services over here and that's how he found us."

The waste is taken to a farm in Gotham, Nottinghamshire, and added to the horse manure with the farmer's permission.

A French bulldog with a black collar and black jumper with red trim is sitting on a laminated kitchen floor. Behind him is a white door, blue carrier bag, chew toys and a silver chair. — French bulldog Buddy creates plenty of work for Newby

Newby now has 35 clients across the East Midlands and balances the business with his main job in construction.

"Some people laugh at me about it, but it's £15 a charge," he said. "If you get a hundred customers a month, you're laughing aren't you."

The RSPCA said additional support was helpful for dog owners who were elderly, disabled, temporarily injured or had mobility issues.

"Using professional services can help ensure dogs are kept in a safe and hygienic environment, while remaining with their loving owners," a spokesperson said.

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