The physical and psychological benefits of pet ownership have resulted in a significant increase in pets in the United Kingdom during past 30 to 40 years. Along with this increase, the many problems posed by irresponsible dog owners have led to a high level of complaint on dog related matters to Environmental Health Departments across the UK.

In Warwickshire, the Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council determined that these problems could be solved through promotion of responsible dog ownership and the adoption of "poop scoop" schemes at key locations. The council developed two programs, the Good Dog Campaign and Poop Scoop Scheme, and launched them simultaneously in 1991.

Their programs' activities include:

  • Promotion of the concept of responsible dog ownership.
  • Involvement of local animal welfare groups and dog training clubs.
  • School visits incorporating videos, talks by animal control officers, and a learning package.
  • Publicity and promotion of the project throughout the region.
  • Encouraging owners to train their dogs and to use a poop scoop to clean up messes in public places.

Good Dog Campaign

Good Dog campaign logoThe Good Dog Campaign was a major health education initiative. The program developed educational materials,, tested them in schools, and packaged them for easy use by teachers in elementary and middle schools. The teacher's resource pack included activities, games, information sheets, stickers and posters that encourage responsible dog ownership.

A variety of educational leaflets on responsible dog ownership were developed and distributed for dog owners as well as promotional posters, stickers and t-shirts. One of the most invaluable promotional resources proved to be 'Oscar', the campaign mascot, who provided numerous photo opportunities. A video, created as a central part of the teaching package on responsible dog ownership, included a humorous musical finale, "Oscar's Rap".

The campaign was launched with a variety of activities, including performances of a play dealing with dogs in parksc and open spaces; exhibits at museums, libraries, and civic buildings; a carnival float;, and a presentation from animal control.

Poop Scoop Scheme

The program surveyed local sites for possible candidates for the pilot program and chose four parks. The program equipped the parks with waste bins and signs. Local stores were encouraged to stock a variety of devices to be used as poop scoops.

After the first six months of the Poop Scoop Scheme operation in the four selected parks, the program conducted a full evaluation. The evaluation showed a high level of awareness of the program, high compliance in the use of poop scoops, and improvement in the environment of the parks. People interviewed provided overwhelming support for both the Good Dog Campaign and the Poop Scoop Scheme.

Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council
Community Services Department
Council House
Nuneaton, Warwickshire, CV11 5AA
United Kingdom

Image credit: Good Dog Campaign

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