We live in a residential complex of three blocks of flats and there are about ten dogs in total—not many, you might say.
But for a while now, there's been more and more dog mess around the estate and it's becoming a real pain! The caretakers have been warning the owners but nothing's being done about it.
There are also people who own a garage in the complex but don't live here, and they just let their dogs foul without picking it up.
We’ve also got a little green area next to us and it's an absolute nightmare there; you have to tip-toe through the plot because the ground is like a minefield!
I don't know what to do. I've already put up homemade signs but there’s been no change (I mean, honestly, why would they bother looking at their own behaviour? "We've always done it this way!").
This kind of antisocial behaviour makes my blood boil (if I knew who it was, they’d definitely find their "presents" neatly wrapped in their letterbox).
Translated from French
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It would be a really good idea to install a poo bag dispenser as well. People often forget to bring a bag with them, and having a dispenser handy encourages them to pick up. Not forgetting a bin next to it, of course, and maybe even a sign on the post too.
On your own, there isn’t much you can do, except catch someone red-handed while you’re out for a walk or watching from your window. Or you can look out at the usual times—it’s always early morning before the commute, or around 10:00–10:30 for those who don't work, or around 15:30 during the school run, or between 19:00 and 20:00 when people take the dog out after work. There are pensioners, too; I once saw one happily swinging his Yorkie over a flowerbed so the dog could do its business, and he didn't pick it up. I obviously went straight for him, but he played dumb as if he hadn't seen anything, so I really lost my temper (keep your phone handy to take photos or videos as evidence). You have to confront these irresponsible owners and make them think twice about doing it again, even if it means making a few enemies...
The caretakers aren’t authorised to issue fines either.
So, to make it official and subject to a fine: if you’re a homeowner—or you can ask your landlord—you should ask for it to be discussed at the next AGM or residents' committee meeting. You need to vote on officially putting up signs (you'll have to pay to have them made) at the entrance to the estate, on the lawns, etc.—basically in strategic spots. You don't need fifty of them, as ignorance of the law is no excuse. A very simple sign with an image like this:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dog-poop-sign-bin-it/dp/B01CGX7UYW
And just three lines underneath, something like: "Under the Environmental Protection Act, the penalty is a fine of around £60, which can rise to £400 for repeat offences." No need for a long essay or a moral lecture that people will never read.
It makes things official and shows that the residents' rules must be respected.
You can also contact an Environmental Health Officer or the local Dog Warden for advice and give them the address so they can come out to the property.
If you see someone not picking up after their dog, I’d go over and hand them a poo bag, telling them with a big smile that it’s for cleaning up 😃. Then you can give them a bit of a lecture—blah blah, it’s unhygienic, blah blah, it’s a £60 fine if a police officer sees you. Remind them about the kids who can't play outside anymore without treading in it... but keep it friendly, even if you’re dying to have a go at them. Idiots will just get defensive if you start lecturing or shouting at them, whereas if you're being a bit of a nuisance but staying polite, they can't really argue back as much.
You could also check with the local police station to see what they can do (usually nothing), but maybe an official sign with "POLICE" in big letters, a reminder of the law, and the £60 fine might get people to take notice?
Hi there, there are a few ways to handle this: you could try catching them in the act (though you’ll need to be patient!)... You could then pop a note through their letterbox to remind them that, "Since July 2008, any dog owner risks having to pay a fine if they don’t pick up after their precious pooch. Depending on the circumstances, the fine can range from around £10 to £215." (Source: Wamiz). You could even threaten to report them to the local council, or ask the community support officers to give them a warning. I saw that being done when I was living in Munich.
Another option is to put up CCTV (real or dummy) with a "Smile, you’re on camera" sign, or leave some poo bags within easy reach... It’s honestly frustrating that it has to come to this; sure, it's not exactly a pleasant task, but in the end, you don't even think about it anymore – it’s just like changing a nappy...
Hi there!
We live in a housing estate too, and whenever I spot some dog mess, I make a point of talking really loudly on purpose 😁 "Honestly, are people still not picking up after their dogs? Careful Orphée, don’t step in that! People are so thoughtless, there won't be a clean patch of grass left for the dogs to walk on soon!"... I come out with a little comment like that every time I see some, and to be fair, I’ve noticed a lot less of it over the last few months!
If I actually catch someone in the act, I just go up to them and ask, "Would you like a poo bag?" 😁
I'm not sure if it’s all related, but my partner reckons Orphée is well-liked partly because we always clean up... (I'm not sure if that makes sense... but basically, when owners are seen as responsible and respectful, it makes people trust the dog more too...)
I’ve just realised I didn’t actually ask a question above, so here it is: how do you get people to pick up after their dogs? Should I approach them directly? (And if so, how do I avoid coming across as the neighbourhood busybody?)
Should I ask the caretaker again? (Mind you, that won't solve the issue with the field).
If you’ve had any similar experiences, I’d love to hear your advice!
If no one replies, I’ll just assume you don’t pick up after yours either! :') (Just joking, of course, though I know some of you on here already have a very dry sense of humour!)
