Victory for dog fouling activists (From Barry And District News)

Victory for dog fouling activists

A BARRY campaigner has been revealed as one of the main reasons why the town's streets should soon be cleaned of the stinking dog mess that angers so many local people.

Retired teacher John (Jack) Hardman of Wenvoe Terrace is a member of the Welsh action group PULP.

Together, the group has succeeded in breaching all party politics to keep the issue of dog fouling on the agenda.

And now the Vale Council is acting by extending by laws to ensure it has thee powers to clean up our streets.

Jack, 72, said: "It's been three years coming, but we've finally made people aware this is a serious issue."

The issue comes close to the top of council complaints list, following fly-tipping, graffiti and vandalism.

The Welsh group of volunteers believe the way to stop these problems is through education.

Jack added: "Several schools in the Vale area have welcomed us, especially Wenvoe Primary, Barry Boys Comprehensive, Romilly, High Street and Victoria in Penarth. We've had support from the Referees Society in Barry. Not many people realise dog faeces carry parasitic toxocara worms. This can lead to Toxocariasis, which causes blindness in children. On a sports field, it poses a real threat."

In his fight for the bylaws, Jack was joined by Welsh Assembly Health Minister Jane Hutt. She said: "Jack Hardman has worked hard to make sure our parks and pavements are kept free from dog mess. He always stresses he is not campaigning against dogs, but for responsible dog owners."

The battle has not been an easy one. Jack has had dog mess hurled over his back fence after approaching people to remind them of their duty to pick up after their dog. He said: "People don't like being told they have a filthy habit."

The new bylaws will enforce heavy financial penalties on people allowing their dog to foul public areas. For more information on the bylaws, contact the Vale of Glamorgan Council on 01446 701111