Dog poo kicking up a stink in Angmering

The winning pupils at St Wilfrids and their anti-dog mess signs L14058H13

Pupils of St Wilfrid’s Catholic Primary School, in Arundel Road, have put their heads together in an effort to combat the recent rise in dog fouling in the village’s streets, lanes and pathways.

Almost 60 youngsters created their own posters, which they hope will encourage dog owners to take a greater responsibilty for their pets.

A winning selection of five signs will now go up in some of the hot spots in Angmering, later this month.

Head teacher Marianna Emery said the issue of dog fouling near the school had become a growing problem in recent weeks and the children were “sick and tired of it”.

Mrs Emery said: “Dog fouling in Angmering has become a real problem. Parents and children are tired of walking in dog mess and finding it in their shoes, scooters and on the wheels of pushchairs.”

The initiative is part of a wider scheme organised and supported by Angmering’s county councillor, Deborah Urquhart, together with Angmering parish councillor Jenny Bos, police community support officer, Andrea Oakley, and the village’s dog warden, Julia Jane.

The competition, which was launched in March, captivated the imagination of all those taking part.

From the entries which were submitted, five winning posters were chosen.

The winners, with the most creative and catchy slogans, were Sophie Stafford, eight, Nichole Lamb and Lottie McGregor, both 11, Phoebe Kalland, eight, and five-year-old Daisy Bence who caught the judges’ eye with her slogan, “Dog muck is yuck. Clean is good”.

Other catchphrases included, “Keep calm and pick up poo”, “It’s not a ZOO pick up your POO!”, “Don’t be mean, keep it clean” and “Britain NEEDS YOU to pick up your POO”.

Arun District Council is funding the production and distribution of the posters.

Mrs Emery added: “The children have expressed their concern and disgust at the presence of dog mess, citing it as anti-social, dirty and the source of infection which can lead to blindness in young children.

“Now it’s over to adults and all dog owners to act responsibly.”