Frustrated volunteers launch dog poo patrol

A volunteer "Poo Patrol" picked up 35 dog faeces in just 95 minutes at a seaside resort.

The group has been clearing up in Withernsea, East Yorkshire, after a rise in complaints from residents.

Mandy Wood, a 64-year-old volunteer, said they "shouldn't have to do it", but added: "So many people are moaning about how bad it's getting this year – it's getting worse and worse."

A spokesperson for East Riding of Yorkshire Council (ERYC) said it was using a range of methods to record and enforce action against offenders, including video evidence.

Councillor Jon Dimberline leads the volunteers. He set up Town Smart East Yorkshire (strategic multi-action response team) 18 months ago to pick litter and make Withernsea look better, but the group has now branched out to dog muck.

They have also invested in body cameras to record people if they catch them letting their dogs foul.

Dimberline said: "We have to make the point that 80 to 90% are very responsible dog owners, but there's that small percentage that are just not doing that."

Last weekend, the group cleared faeces from the promenade and town centre.

Volunteers wear fluorescent bibs with poo emojis and use tongue-in-cheek humour to send a serious message.

They are also considering using DNA testing kits to help identify the breed of dog responsible for the mess.

Dog mess can pass on a disease called neosporosis which can affect other animals, such as cattle. It can also cause infections in humans.

The ERYC spokesperson said it was "dedicated to ensuring a clean and sanitary environment" and worked "proactively to counter litter and dog fouling offences".

"We use a range of methods to document and enforce action against offenders, including use of video recordings. We encourage residents to act responsibly and report dog fouling offences, with evidence, if they are found."

The council has also urged people to send in door bell footage of offenders and said evidence from one had been used to issue a fixed penalty notice within the last week.

But Wood had a simple message for owners: "If you've got a dog you should look after it and clean up after it."

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