A father says he has to “dodge the dog poo” when walking his son to school – and the problem “seems to be getting worse”.
Councillor Tim Rowkins, cabinet member for environmental services and net zero at Brighton and Hove City Council, said his “general sense” is that dog fouling is getting worse across the city.
The Hanover councillor said the problem has become part of his daily routine.
“I live in Hanover and do the school run with my little boy. We’re having to dodge dog mess on the pavement on the way,” he said.
The Argus earlier this month highlighted a campaign by Hanover resident Maxine Brady, who launched a petition calling for stronger action after repeated fouling in her street.
Councillor Rowkins said the issue is firmly “on the council’s radar”, with targeted bright yellow warnings already stencilled onto pavements used in some areas.
Councillor Rowkins said dog fouling was a big issue for people in his ward (Image: Supplied)
“We’ve trialled some targeted stencil signs in hotspot areas – including Maxine’s street – and she said they were quite impactful”, he said.
He confirmed that a city-wide campaign is now being developed by the council.
“It’s about raising awareness and reminding people that there are fines in place”, he said.
Dog fouling can result in an £80 fixed penalty notice. However, Councillor Rowkins said long-term change would depend more on behaviour than enforcement.
“It’s such an anti-social thing to do. A child treads in it and then walks it into the classroom. It’s really not a big ask for people to clear up after their dog,” he said.
“The campaign needs to strengthen the idea that we all have a role to play in our communities – we’re responsible for our own impact.”
Hanover resident Maxine Brady is campaigning on the issue (Image: The Argus)
He said the strength of feeling among residents has become increasingly clear.
“We were out door-knocking in Hanover last weekend and dog poo was the number one issue people raised. That’s never been the case before,” he said.
“That would suggest it is getting worse.”
As for why, Councillor Rowkins said there is no single explanation.
“There may have been more dog ownership during Covid, and more people are working at home more now – but that can’t fully explain it,” he said.
“There must be a decline in people behaving as responsible dog owners and fulfilling their responsibilities. I don’t have a clear explanation for why.
“I’d be surprised if it’s just a Brighton issue.”
The council has painted some signs around Hanover recently (Image: The Argus)
Councillor Rowkins praised Ms Brady’s efforts, confirming she had raised the issue with him before launching her petition.
“We agreed it was a problem. We both want to raise awareness – the council can do that through its channels, and she can do it as a campaigner. We need to work together,” he said.
Premises of legendary burger restaurant which closed after 46 years up for rent
Premises of legendary burger restaurant which closed after 46 years up for rent
Pensioner banned from the roads after multiple driving offences
Pensioner banned from the roads after multiple driving offences
Woman forced to throw ice cream away after finding ‘disgusting’ dead body on beach
Woman forced to throw ice cream away after finding ‘disgusting’ dead body on beach
He added that while enforcement has a role, encouraging responsibility is key.
“The answer is dog owners behaving more responsibly. It’s better to achieve that from the bottom up, rather than the council simply trying to fine people.”
In the short term, the council plans to expand targeted signage in areas with the highest number of complaints.
Longer term, a co-ordinated campaign is being developed, combining signage, press and social media, aimed at both raising awareness and targeting problem areas across the city.