East Marsh Community Space becomes first Poo Bag Partner!

Between September 2023 and August 2024, 284 Fixed Penalty Notices (FPNs) were issued for dog related offences. The Council oversees the rules and regulations around dogs through the use of a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO).

This ensures pet owners are held responsible should they act irresponsibly. In an effort to tackle the issue, the Council are launching the Poo Bag Partnership.

The initiative hopes to ensure everyone has the means to pick up after their dog wherever they are in the borough. By becoming a Poo Bag Partner, organisations will receive a donation of poo bags which can be given out to dog owners should they require them whilst out walking.

The first to sign up is the East Marsh Community Space on Pasture Street. Ran by Kerrie Bennett and Rebecca Munson, it provides help in all forms for residents from haircuts to a bite to eat.

Speaking about the partnership, Kerrie said: “This is an amazing initiative and we’re so proud to be the business to launch it.

“Pet owners have a responsibility to pick up after their dog and now there is no reason they can’t, even if they do forget the bag.”

Councillor Henry Hudson, Portfolio Holder for Environment and Net Zero, added: “By supplying the means, there is no reason why people should not be picking up after their dog.

“We appreciate the majority of dog owners are responsible, but it is the minority that need to understand that they have a duty of care as a pet owner.

“Dog mess is a blight on our borough’s streets and needs to be clamped down on. I welcome the Poo Bag Partnership and urge as many businesses as possible to sign up to the pledge to help keep our streets clean.”

For more information or to report an dog fouling related incident, visit Dog mess and dog control | NELC

Do you want to become a poo bag partner? Email communities@nelincs.gov.uk to sign up.