Canal and River Trust responds to Devizes dog mess concerns

Devizes residents have been critical of the Canal and River Trust’s (CRT) decision to remove dog waste bins from the Kennet and Avon Canal towpath through the town last summer, to cut “soaring costs.”

Locals claim there has since been an increase in dog mess on the much-used route.

One creative resident has now made small warning signs and placed them around the abandoned droppings to prevent others from stepping in them.

The signs, which first appeared earlier this month, carry messages like “caution”, “mind the cr*p”, and “spread love, not poo.”

Many residents praised the inventions for highlighting an uptick in mess left by the canal.

The signs warning of dog mess on the canal path in Devizes (Image: Public contribution)

One Facebook user said: “I must admit it did make me laugh... but on a serious note, it does highlight the problem and hopefully makes irresponsible owners think twice before walking off without picking up after their dogs.”

Another added: “In the three years I have lived in Devizes the dog poo situation has got a lot worse on the canal path and the adjacent roads and paths.

“While the little signs are amusing and the lack of poo bins is annoying, there are no excuses for not cleaning up after your dog.”

Others hope the signs will encourage dog owners to pick up after their pets.

One person said: “It definitely highlights how lazy some people are. I often walk along that stretch of canal and have never noticed how much mess there is.

“Hopefully, it might highlight it to the people that need it.”

The CRT has urged dog owners to act responsibly and pick up any mess left by their animals.

The signs warning of dog mess on the canal path in Devizes (Image: Public contribution)

A spokesperson said: “Servicing bins is a huge expense to the trust, with an annual cost of around £39,000 on the Kennet & Avon Canal alone, and removing them will help pay towards a long list of vital repairs.

“We’re focusing on behaviour change and have put up signs around Caen Hill to encourage people to pick up after their dogs: it’s part of responsible dog ownership, and an offence not to do so.

“We’re asking people who come to enjoy our free-to-visit waterways to follow the Countryside Code and take their dog waste back with them to be disposed of responsibly. 

“In doing so, they will be helping to protect the environment and helping our charity save money to keep the canals open.”