Concerns about dogs running wild and leaving faeces in Geelong reserves have prompted a campaign targeting their owners.
Any Bin, Any Bag encouraged “co-existence” between dogs, their owners and the general public, said councillor Kylie Fisher.
The campaign aims to remind owners that they could use any bag available to dump dog droppings in any waste bin, she said.
City Hall distributes ‘dog pouches’ at customer service centres but the council’s domestic animal management plan allows the use of other bags, such as plastic shopping bags.
Cr Fisher said a “perceived lack of compliance” with dog bylaws, particularly in signed off-leash areas, was behind Any Bag, Any Bin.
City Hall would also advertise a redefinition of ‘off-leash’ to ‘off-leash supervised’, she said.
“This means putting your dog back on-leash in high-use areas around other people or animals.”
The dog faces issue goes beyond amenity issues to public health risks.
Undisposed dog faeces presented a disease threat, said Newtown veterinarian Jane Miller.
“The importance of picking up after your dog cannot be overstated,” Ms Miller said.
“We live in a community where there is a high population of dogs and therefore there is a lot of waste produced.
“Animal waste is a vector for disease that can affect both pets and their owners.
“Let’s ensure we’re all responsible dog owners and pick up their litter.”
