12 February 2025

Call for action on irresponsible dog owners

by Rebecca Hannant

Residents in Withernsea say they are fed-up with the amount of dog fouling in the area as a result of “lazy owners.”

In recent months, the issue has become a major talking point on social media, with people highlighting the problem along the Promenade, as well as Arthur Street, Cammidge Street and other residential areas.

One resident said: “The situation seems to have got worse of late. A lot of people are quick to blame holidaymakers, but it’s the winter months and no holidaymakers are about. It’s locals who seem to be out early when it’s not busy on the prom so they can’t be seen. Same again when it’s dark. Some dog owners also let their dogs off the lead on the prom. They often get chatting and then they don’t even notice, so it doesn’t get picked up.”

South East Holderness ward councillors Sean McMaster, Lyn Healing and Jon Dimberline say that residents are becoming increasingly frustrated as irresponsible dog ownership leaves the affected areas unsafe, untidy and uninviting. All three have come up with various measures to encourage people to pick up after their dogs.

In November, Cllrs Healing and McMaster contacted the dog warden team at East Riding Council. Signs paid for by the two councillors were placed in dog fouling hotspots in Withernsea. More are due to be put up in surrounding villages shortly.

Cllr McMaster said: “Late last year, Councillor Healing and I obtained permission from the dog wardens to use their designs to create – at our own expense – aluminium signs that are currently being placed in dog fouling hotspots across South East Holderness.

“So far, these signs have been put up in Patrington (by the parish council), Keyingham, Ottringham and Withernsea. We aim to complete the rest of the villages in the ward within the next month or so. Our aim is to work closely with the dog wardens at East Riding Council and to get them to engage further with the communities of South East Holderness to tackle this issue.”

Cllr Healing also highlighted the dangers of not picking up dog waste. She said a single gramme of dog waste could contain up to 23 million coliform bacteria. In humans, this can cause serious gastrointestinal illnesses. Dog waste that is not cleaned up can lead to harmful bacteria spreading to people via clothing and shoes.

Cllr Jon Dimberline, meanwhile, has teamed up with other residents in the town to address the problem by painting anti-dog fouling stencils in areas around the town.

He said: “It is becoming a big problem as more and more people have dogs. It looks bad, and it’s very dangerous. It’s up to dog owners to be more responsible. Lyn and Sean have done a great job of putting up the signs. It’s a mystery to me why a person can’t buy some cheap bags from Tesco and pick up the mess.

“If you’ve got a problem with it, or you want some help or advice, come and talk to us. Why is it necessary to leave a mess? For kids to fall in, slip in, people to stand in, and trail into their cars and houses. It’s a hazard, it’s unsightly, and it doesn’t need to happen.”

Cllr Dimberline says he has now contacted the dog warden who is making more incognito visits. He added: “The dog warden will be able to identify the person and respond if they get two or three reports of a similar nature.”

Meanwhile, all three ward representatives encourage individuals who see dog owners not picking up after their animals to continue to report the issue to East Riding Council.

Cllr McMaster said: “The issue of dog fouling is incredibly frustrating, and we do share residents’ concerns with what seems to be a perpetual problem. Dog fouling can be reported through the East Riding dog warden service on 01482 396301 or [email protected].”

Cllr Dimberline added: “This is a matter for the dog warden, and it must be reported through the portal on the website. If a person sees it happening, it’s best not to challenge them, but get a description of the person and the dog, or even take a photograph.”

An East Riding Council spokesman said: “The council is dedicated to ensuring that the region is a good place to live, and works with local communities and parish councils to tackle issues such as dog fouling. We encourage concerned residents to report fouling issues with details of irresponsible dog owners at eastriding.gov.uk/environment/pests-dogs-and-animals/dog-control-and-ownership.