Residents in the District are being encouraged to take part in the District Council’s Bite Back initiative; a new, three part campaign aimed at more responsible dog ownership.
Designed to involve the local community in helping to police their area, residents contacting the Council will receive a free Bite Back Pack, containing weather-proof posters, dog bags, stencil kits for pavements and an info pack on how to report anyone not picking up after their dog.
With a large rural area across the district, farmers can also order their own hard-hitting posters highlighting the dangers of not keeping a dog under control. In July a sheep in Countesthorpe was mauled by a dog off lead, with the farmer’s wife and young daughters discovering the injured animal. Due to the extensive injuries sustained the sheep had to be put down.
A further poster shows the consequences of failing to clean up after dogs around livestock, showing the potentially devastating effects of disease that dog faeces can carry.
Sports teams, local organisations and owners of recreation areas in the district can also receive their own free posters and pack to deter irresponsible dog owners that can cause issues in play areas and sports pitches by failing to control their dog.
Councillor Iain Hewson, Portfolio Holder for Leisure & Regulatory Services, said: “We know that whilst the vast majority of dog owners are responsible, the small number who have no respect for their local area have a negative impact in the local community, and can cause distress and long-term problems to farmers in our more rural areas.
“These upsetting effects are shown in the rural posters and we make no apologies for the hard hitting nature of them.
“With all circumstances covered by our Bite Back campaign, I encourage any residents, farmers and local organisations to get in touch, and we will help them launch the campaign in their area.”
To receive a pack, email environmental.health@blaby.gov.uk. More information about the campaign is available by visiting www.blaby.gov.uk/biteback.