Grayson Launches Anti-Fouling Campaign

4.39.11pm GMT Thu 11th Feb 2010

Local Liberal Democrats are launching a campaign to help frustrated Hemel residents who want dog owners to clear up after their pets. The vast majority of dog owners are highly responsible about this, but a small minority are making life very unpleasant for local people. The local Lib Dems have found that in responses to local surveys which they have carried out door-to-door, dog fouling is one of the most persistent complaints.

To tackle the problem, the Lib Dems are providing laminated posters which local people can fix to their fence, gate or hedge, where there is regular dog mess. Commenting on the campaign, Hemel's Lib Dem Parliamentary Candidate, Dr Richard Grayson, said:

"We carry out regular door-to-door surveys throughout the Hemel area. The problem of dog fouling on pavements and parks is a regular complaint across the town. We all know that it is a mess, but the small number of dog owners who do not tidy up after their animals need to be told of the more serious health hazards. These include the rare but nasty toxocariasis, which tends to affect children where it does occur, and can cause blindness." [For details see: http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Toxocariasis/Pages/Introduction.aspx accessed 31 January 2010]

"Our message to dog owners is simple: bag it and bin it - keep our streets clean of dog mess."

Local Lib Dem activist Steve Wilson is co-ordinating the campaign and said:

"As a teacher and sportsman, I have been well aware of the health dangers and unpleasantness caused by dog mess, particularly on playing fields. The majority of dog owners are responsible people who clear up, but a few still need reminding and perhaps educating. This is a community issue which Hemel Hempstead Liberal Democrats are keen to support with this fresh initiative."

Anybody who wants a poster can contact the local Liberal Democrats at: HH Liberal Democrats, FREEPOST, 36 Neptune Drive, HP2 5BR or dogfouling@hhlibdems.org.uk