Angry walkers slam dog owners for failing to pick up after their pets as poo piles up in parks
“Walkies” is a rare approved activity under lockdown. But on Frankston and Mornington Peninsula paths and parks, an unwanted by-product of the popular pastime is driving others crazy.
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A “poo pandemic” has hit Frankston and the Mornington Peninsula as overzealous dog walkers fail to pick up after their pets.
The abundance of poo littering streets and reserves across the regions has lit up social media.
Popular blog Mama Loves to Share kicked off the outrage after posting an angry rant about the problem.
“I have never in my life seen so much dog crap on my walks as I have over the past few weeks … it’s everywhere! On the nature strip, on the footpaths, even the boardwalk at the beach! Disgusting,” Helen James posted.
The Frankston mum of three called on dog owners to do the right thing and dispose of their dog’s droppings.
Somerville woman Emily Wilshusen also reported seeing more dog poo while exercising with her three children.
“Finally got my three kids out the door to get some fresh air and my son rode through dog poo,” she said.
“It was in the middle of the footpath!”
Several Mornington Peninsula dog walkers say they’re disgusted others aren’t doing the right thing.
Sacha Cameron posted that she went to great lengths to ensure she picked up after her pet, even asking for help from a passer-by after realising she had run out of bags.
“Not only did the man have one, but insisted on walking with me, picking it up, and disposing of it for me,” she wrote.
“I guess he appreciated someone wanting to clean up after their dog.”
Ana Smith said she walked her two dogs at the beach or park daily and was disgusted by the amount of dog poo left behind.
“Shame on anyone selfish enough to not pick up after their dogs,” she posted.
Frankston mayor Sandra Mayer said the council encouraged all residents and visitors to clean up after their animals when out and about.
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She said failing to do carried fines of $200 although it was “very rare” for council officers to witness people failing to pick up after their pets.
The council received four complaints about dog poo – two in Langwarrin and two from Frankston North. No fines were issued.
The issue is also raising the ire of environmentalists in Melbourne’s outer east.
Croydon Conservation Society president Liz Sanzaro said she had seen posts online about droppings left outside houses in Heathmont.
She also saw a message in chalk on a Croydon footpath urging dog owners to clean up after themselves.
Ms Sanzaro warned recent wet weather could send the droppings into Port Phillip Bay polluting beaches and raising the risk of swimmers getting sick.
Mornington Peninsula Shire Council was contacted.