A Dalbeattie youngster is leading the fight against irresponsible dog owners in the town’s forest.
Primary five pupil Ava Drummond has been cleaning up litter and poo bags which have become a major problem during the pandemic.
Ava, who goes to Dalbeattie PS, said: “We are brought up to respect our countryside and I can’t understand why dog owners would act in this way.
“It’s not rocket science to bag it and take it home and a decomposable bag doesn’t mean you ought to leave it lying in the woods.
“If you bag it and take it home the woods are safer for us all to enjoy.
“Our environment is our responsibility and we ought to leave it as we find it.”
Ava and her mum Fran raised the issue with councillors Ian Blake and Pauline Drysdale.
And they brought it to the attention of Forestry and Land Scotland which has now put new signs in place in a bid to change the behaviour of dog owners.
FLS communities manager Lesley Smith said: “We agreed to install three signs at Dalbeattie Woods to try to dissuade visitors from this antisocial practice as this wood is incredibly popular.”
Councillor Blake said: “Really, it’s a job that neither Ava or Fran, or the forestry team should have to do as if visitors dispose of their litter properly everyone’s visit is that much more enjoyable.”
“They have also very kindly agreed to add these notices at the entrance to Kennick Burn at Laurieston Woods with the aim of getting the message firmly across to locals and visitors alike. “
