Posted on: Tuesday 6 May 2025
A campaign to tackle dog mess in public places has been launched.
The Pick It Up initiative will see the council work with sports clubs, voluntary groups and schools to highlight incidents of dog fouling in local communities to warn other residents and act as a deterrent.
They will also record the number of incidents they find – information which will be passed onto our civil enforcement team.
As part of the council-led campaign, 200 dog poo deterrent packs have been created, including Pick it Up banners and bin stickers, stencils and chalk spray.
One of the first groups to sign up to the campaign is Llantarnam Residents Conservation Society.
Vice Chairwoman Bethan Lewis said: “We hope that by monitoring and highlighting dog fouling incidences in Oakfield Flower Gardens, in Cwmbran, we will increase awareness of the impact of dog fouling on other users of the gardens, particularly young children, and encourage the minority of dog owners that don't clear up after their pets to do so.”
Cwmbran Celtic football club has also received a pack.
Steve Roberts, Volunteer for Cwmbran Celtic, said: “We try to look after the pitches as well as we can, but we do have a problem with dog fouling, which is why we are supporting the Pick It Up campaign.
“Please, if you are a dog owner pick up after your dogs and take it home to dispose of. None of our team members want to be stepping or falling in dog poo when training or playing in a match.”
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.”
Local councillors have also been provided with Pick It Up packs.
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.
The Pick It Up campaign has been partly funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.