Stirling villagers call for more respect from inconsiderate pet owners after spike in dog poo incidents

Villagers in Thornhill, Stirling, are calling for pet owners to pick up their dog’s mess after a recent spike in the number of owners leaving the disgusting droppings behind. Residents have raised concerns over the scale of dog fouling in the area, with the problem escalating to the point where Stirling Council enforcement officers visited the village to investigate.

Joyce Firth, a resident of Thornhill, brought attention to the issue by contacting Thornhill and Blairdrummond Community Council. She highlighted that quieter paths and the North Common are often littered with dog waste left behind by irresponsible owners. Firth even took a photo of one particularly offensive find on a walk south of the village, prompting her to report the matter to the council.

The swift response from the council impressed Firth, with enforcement officers visiting the location the day after her complaint to assess the situation. She emphasised the importance of addressing such anti-social behaviour, especially during the darker days when it is more common for dog owners to neglect cleaning up after their pets. Firth stressed the need for respect within the community, questioning how some individuals could be so indifferent to leaving their dog’s mess for others to encounter.

In a statement on social media, Thornhill and Blairdrummond Community Council condemned the irresponsible behaviour of pet owners, highlighting the inconveniences and health hazards it poses, especially to children in the area. The council reiterated the importance of bagging and properly disposing of dog waste, noting that simply discarding it in public spaces is unacceptable.

Despite efforts to address the issue through discussions at the community council level, the spokesperson acknowledged the challenges of enforcing fines against offenders who are not caught in the act. Anyone found failing to clean up after their dog can face a fine of £80 under The Dog Fouling (Scotland) Act 2003, which deems it an offence to leave pet waste unattended.

The call for more respect and responsibility from pet owners in Thornhill serves as a reminder of the impact of individual actions on the broader community. Proper waste disposal not only contributes to a cleaner environment but also fosters a sense of consideration and care for others sharing public spaces. It is crucial for pet owners to recognise their role in maintaining the cleanliness and safety of their surroundings, and to uphold the standards of responsible pet ownership for the well-being of all residents.