Dog mess at Hengistbury Head to be sprayed red as reminder to pet owners

DOG mess left at Hengistbury Head will be sprayed with red chalk paint to remind pet owners to clean up after their animals.

BCP Council announced that rangers will use the biodegradable material across some of its public spaces to highlight "problem areas".

Cllr Mark Anderson, cabinet member for environment and place, said: "We know that dog waste can have a really negative impact on the environment, and this has always been an issue in need of our attention.

“As well as being unpleasant to see, it is dangerous to other animals and children due to harmful bacteria and parasites.

"As visitors are not actively searching for dog waste on their walks, it is easy to miss quite how much gets left on our reserves.

"It is your responsibility to clean up after your dogs and against the law to not do so.’’

A council spokesperson said dog waste was "becoming an increasing issue across the conurbation".

They said the chalk paint initiative has been used in other parts of the country and decreased the amount of dog mess.

Dog owners are also being reminded that pets have to be kept on a short lead until 31st July while being walked on BCP heathland and at nature reserves.