Dog walkers are upset about the lack of bins at Tees Barrage, leading to a mess of dog waste. Many wonder if there’s a “poo fairy” to clean it up.
People are leaving dog poop everywhere. Some just leave it on the ground, while others bag it up and toss it in bushes or even on top of a defibrillator. One dog walker joked, “Do they think there’s a poo fairy?” It’s wild how some folks think it’s okay to hang bags on trees.
Retired firefighter Mike Fellows, 77, was shocked by the situation. He picked up 20 to 30 bags on his walk and had to take them home. He suggested putting bins near the bridges to make it easier for everyone.
Joanne Walker, 54, said carrying a bag of poop around isn’t fun. Many people just don’t want to deal with it, so they dump it instead. Charlotte Bruce-Hannah, 26, echoed this, saying she carried her bag all the way from the car park.
Benita Haughton, 59, mentioned that some people are even tossing bags into the river. It’s a shame because it’s such a lovely area. A regular walker said it’s become a hassle to enjoy the view without worrying about stepping in dog mess.
Councillor Clare Besford from Stockton Council said they can’t control the bin removal since it was the Canal and River Trust’s decision. The Trust explained they had to cut costs and focus on maintaining the waterways. They’re asking people to take their litter home instead.
It’s a tough situation for dog owners and the community. Everyone hopes for a solution soon.