Dragon's Den bag and more to combat dog poo issues in Barry

People not picking up after their dog is an issue across the UK, including in Barry, with complaints of dog waste being left on beaches, footpaths, and near schools or children’s play areas.

Dog owners who don’t pick up after their dog may get a Fixed Penalty Notice of £100 or face prosecution with a fine of up to £1,000.

The issue also poses a health and safety hazard; although rare, contact with dog excrement can cause toxocariasis – a nasty infection that can lead to dizziness, nausea, asthma and even blindness or seizures. 

We asked Barry residents on Facebook for their thoughts – hundreds of people shared their views.

“It’s disgusting; you have to walk with your head looking down all the time,” wrote Susan Gregory.

Dog owner, Kim Goodway, wrote that it is “absolutely” an issue in Barry and highlighted what she thinks are key problems, including:

• Lack of enforcement;
• Lack of lighting for those walking their dogs in the dark;
• Owners allowing their dogs to walk far ahead so being unaware of their dog creating a mess;
• A lack of bins (a “lesser but relevant” problem) including at Porthkerry Park. This issue was highlighted by several respondents.

Porthkerry Park is a popular place to walk dogs - but some think it needs more bins (Picture: Camera Club member Alex Goss)

Frances West added: “There should be big fines and reintroduction of dog licenses to help pay to employ people to clean things up. I don't dislike dogs, just the bad owners.”

Read more here.

Cllr Peter King, Vale of Glamorgan Council cabinet member for neighbourhood services and transport, said: “Dog fouling is one of the most unpleasant forms of littering.

“Recently, the council’s enforcement team have launched ‘Operation Snoopy’, a project focused on encouraging dog owners to clean up after their dogs.

“Enforcement officers patrol areas where dog fouling is most common and ensure that dog owners are acting responsibly and intervene where necessary.”

People can report dog fouling to Vale of Glamorgan Council online here.

Another issue mentioned by many residents was dog poo being bagged up then disregarded – posing a risk to wildlife. Often these bags are not biodegradable which impacts the planet, even if put in a bin.

Planet Underdog offers “planet saving poop bags” which are made from plant-based material, which breaks down within months, even at landfill.

Biodegradable bags (Picture: Planet Underdog)

Find out more at planetunderdog.com

And pet accessory company, Barking Bags, has created award-winning dog walking bags – seen on Dragon’s Den -  which include poo bag dispensers, and different sections for hand sanitiser, water bottles, toys and accessories, and a selection of treats.

Bags designed to allow people to bring dog waste to a bin or home to dispose of (Picture: Barking Bags)

Find out more at barkingbags.co.uk