Aberfeldy’s ABC Nursery has sent out a squad of socially-minded little citizens to tackle the problem of dog mess in the town.
Complaints about dog owners failing to clear up after their pets have been at an all-time high recently and outraged residents have been told to stop posting pictures of the mess on Facebook as it is giving visitors a bad impression of the neighbourhood.
The children of ABC Nursery are very aware of responsible dog ownership, having their very own ‘cocker-poo’ puppy, Copper.
The friendly dog is with them during the day and, as well as making the more nervous young clients feel at ease with dogs, Copper has brought about discussions about poo and not leaving it for someone to step in.
“Dog mess is a big problem in Aberfeldy,” explained the day nursery’s co-owner, Lorraine Reed. “We heard that the council might be withdrawing from giving out the bags for free. So rather than just get angry, we decided to do something.”
The children collected old plastic milk cartons and the older ones cut them up and wrote notes explaining their new use, as dispensers filled with free bags for dog walkers to dispose of the waste in.
The bag dispensers have been hung on gates and fences where people walk their dogs - so there’s no excuse that they didn’t have a bag to hand.
“We put them up on Home Street, at the entrance to Victoria Park, round the golf course, near the caravan park.
“Fantastic. Well done ABC Nursery. Once again it is the children that are taking action to protect our environment,” said Jenny Langruish, chair of Aberfeldy Small Business Association.
“Brilliant idea,” said Kati Rocsik, an ABC parent.
The Birks Cinema in the town asked for one to be made to go their railings.
“Yes, so far the feedback has been good,” said Lorraine.
“People like it that the children are showing the adults how they want them to behave. The bags keep disappearing and we are happy to keep filling them up, it shows people are using them.”
