Residents urge dog owners to clean up after pets amid fouling concerns in Milnrow and Newhey

Residents in Milnrow and Newhey are urging dog owners to take responsibility for cleaning up after their pets following growing frustration about dog fouling in local public areas.

Community members say the amount of dog mess being left behind has become unacceptable, creating an unpleasant problem for pedestrians, families and responsible dog walkers.

The message from residents is straightforward: if your dog fouls in a public place, carry a bag, pick it up and dispose of it properly.

Concerns have also been heightened by reports among local dog owners about canine parvovirus in the area. Parvovirus is a highly contagious viral illness affecting dogs and can be particularly serious for puppies and unvaccinated animals. The virus can be shed in the faeces of infected dogs and can persist in contaminated environments, making good hygiene and responsible disposal of dog waste especially important.

Rochdale Daily has not independently confirmed the extent of any current local parvovirus outbreak, so owners concerned about their dog's health should seek advice from a veterinary professional rather than relying on social-media reports.

Dog fouling is not simply an inconvenience. People should not have to navigate dog mess on pavements, paths, grassed areas and other shared spaces, while responsible owners should not have to worry about their pets walking through waste left behind by somebody else.

Residents are asking owners to remember that responsibility for clearing up belongs to the person in charge of the dog. It should not be left for council workers, other dog walkers or members of the public to deal with.

Picking up takes seconds and helps keep Milnrow and Newhey cleaner and safer for everyone using local streets and green spaces.

The message is simple: carry a bag, pick it up and bin it.