Donington councillor calls for pet owners to show responsibility – with issues over dog fouling and neutering

A fed-up councillor is calling on pet owners to be more responsible and care for their animals.

Coun Jane King says that Donington is experiencing a problem with dog fouling recently and is hoping to raise awareness that pet owners can use any bin to deposit their bags.

And she has also rescued two feral kittens which were living on a wasteland in the village – and is calling on people to ensure their pets are neutered.

The dog warden has also been conducting patrols in the village at the county and district councillor’s request but the problem is continuing.

Coun King said it is an ‘ongoing battle’ to get people to clear up after their dogs.

She said: “We are having issues with dog fouling

“I have cleaned up outside the Coop store - within three or four feet of a bin!

“People think that you have to put your poo in a dog bin but it can go in any rubbish bin.”

Coun King said that the hot spots for poo in the village tend to be the High Street and some of the back roads but there have been issues near the play areas.

She has also appealed to people to use a bin and not to deposit bags in people’s hedgerows or on railings.

She said: “People are getting fed up.

“Responsible dog owners are getting glared at and tarred with the same brush as the irresponsible ones.

“No-one is forcing you to have a dog so be responsible and clear up after it.”

Former veterinary nurse Coun King is also calling on people to ensure that their cats are neutered.

The councillor along with friend Gemma Elson have also been on a mercy mission to rescue feral kittens living on wasteland near a fish and chip shop.

They have managed to trap the kittens and a home has been found for them.

She said: “It all stems from people being irresponsible about not having their cats neutered.

“This cat is probably from a feral family which would have started off as someone’s pet and they couldn’t be bothered to have it spayed. People don’t think they need to have a tom cat neutered as it is not going to be bringing kittens home.

“It is getting more important to get male cats done as they can impregnate so many females.”

Some charities do provide support for struggling owners and Coun King is advising people to get in touch with them.