Borderers urged to help tackle fouling

Hawick and Hermitage councillor David Paterson, a long-time critic of such behaviour, has welcomed the #turdtag promotion by the Keep Scotland Beautiful environmental charity.

It asks for volunteers to identify a 100m stretch of road, path or walkway through a green space and record how much bagged and unbagged dog dirt they find while taking their daily exercise.

That information will form a new data set to be used to increase awareness and drive action to tackle one of Scotland’s worst environmental complaints.

Mr Paterson said: “I’ve said it on many occasions, but I’m absolutely dismayed at the amount of dog fouling in Hawick and right across the Borders.

“I go to the park in Hawick regularly for my daily exercise and it’s everywhere, unbagged, or with bags tied to a tree, and even sitting on top of a bin.

“If you can’t be responsible, don’t get a dog.

“Anything that can help to stop this disgusting behaviour can only help in the long run, and I encourage everybody to sign up for this project.”

Evidence gathered in surveys last year by the charity showed that 10% of surveyed sites were blighted by dog dirt.

Paul Wallace, campaigns manager with Keep Scotland Beautiful, said: “It is extremely disappointing that the thoughtless actions of irresponsible dog owners means that our shared enjoyment of our local open and green spaces, and a brief escape from the stresses and strains of the current situation, can be ruined.”

Results are to go to cleanup
@keepscotlandbeautiful.
org by May 11 and shared using social media and the hashtag #turdtag.