A woman has started a petition aiming to tackle dog fouling in Brighton and Hove.
Hanover resident Maxine Brady said that she was embarrassed when walking to a café with friends down from London and they found themselves “dancing” over dog mess to avoid treading in it.
After she raised the problem with Brighton and Hove City Council, signs were sprayed in her street warning of £80 fines for dog fouling.
She also made signs to alert dog owners which appear to have made a small difference in her area of Hanover.
But she recently stepped in dog mess at the Seven Dials which, she said, highlighted how dog fouling was a city-wide problem.
She said: “I’m a child of the ’80s who had to play in parks filled with poo and I remember when the dog poo fines came into action and we could finally play in parks without worry.
“I want other children to have the same experiences.”
The petition, Tackle Dog Fouling in Brighton and Hove, on the Change.org website had almost 180 signatures at the time of writing.
It calls for a city-wide campaign explaining the health issues linked with dog faeces, increased enforcement, free dog waste bag dispensers and more signs.
The petition said: “Dog waste harbours parasites and bacteria such as roundworms and e. coli that can lead to severe illnesses and even blindness, particularly in children.
“These risks are present throughout our community, from Hanover and Queen’s Park to Hove and beyond.
“Despite laws requiring dog waste to be picked up, compliance remains low, leaving everyone else to suffer the consequences.”
To sign the petition, visit www.change.org/p/tackle-dog-fouling-in-brighton-hove.
Would held if the bins were emptied!