Posted on: Friday 6 June 2025
A group better known for tackling litter in the borough has signed up to the council’s dog poo deterrent campaign.
Torfaen Litter Champions is the latest group to back the Pick It Up initiative aimed at reducing the problem of dog fouling in public places.
Co-founder Jennie Simons said: “We’re passionate about keeping Torfaen clean, so we are really happy to join the Pick It Up campaign.
“Let’s help clear our streets and green spaces of dog poo!”
More than 25 Pick It Up packs have been distributed to voluntary groups, sports clubs and schools since the campaign launched last month.
The packs include an environmentally friendly chalk spray and stencil to highlight incidents of dog fouling, a vinyl banner and bin stickers to encourage people to report dog fouling and free dog poo bags to give to dog owners.
Every group that receives a pack is asked to record the number of incidents of dog fouling they find on a weekly basis online.
This information will be used by our civil enforcement officers to identify areas for targeted education and enforcement.
Councillor Mandy Owen, Executive Member for the Environment, said: “We hope the Pick It Up campaign will transform our pavements and public spaces into cleaner, safer, and more enjoyable areas. Stepping in dog poo is not only disgusting but also poses a significant risk to human health, so let’s work together to make a positive change.
“Hopefully, this campaign will encourage dog owners to be more responsible and prevent their dogs from fouling.”
If you are a volunteer group, community group, sports club or school and want to join the Pick It Up campaign, email pickitup@torfaen.gov.uk for a free pack.
Failing to pick up after a dog that has fouled in a public place is a criminal offence and carries the risk of a £100 penalty.
Dog owners can put used dog poo bags in any litter bin in the borough.
Members of the public are asked to support the campaign by reporting dog fouling online or via the MyTorfaen app.
For more information about Torfaen Litter Champions, follow them on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/groups/2527122237325648)
The Pick It Up campaign has been partly funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.