Man’s best friend has proven to be an ongoing problem for Councils responsible for dealing with the public nuisance dogs can create. Considerable resources are diverted into policing and impounding animals which stray from their owner’s backyards.
Apart from their ability to inflict injury and even death, a major problem dogs create arises from their poor toilet training. Dog litter is a hazard for pedestrians on footpaths or in parks. It is also a health risk and contributes considerably to marine pollution when washed into stormwater drains and from there into the oceans.
In spite of Council Bylaws or Local Laws, requiring owners to clean up after their pets, effective enforcement is difficult. Various products on the market that encourage responsible pet ownership have not necessarily solved the problem.
However, a new concept involving a bin designed to provide a convenient, hygienic and attractive receptacle for dog litter has recently been launched. The green and white ‘Scoopie’ bins are designed to blend with their surrounds, and include a hook the user can attach ‘Fido’s’ lead while disposing of the waste. They are easily installed by Councils and environmentally friendly.
A handheld disposable Scoopie collector accompanies the bins to make it easy for dog owners to collect the waste. These scoopers will be available from Councils and retail outlets shortly. Sutherland Shire in Sydney is currently trialling the bins in its parks and streets and will be displaying them at their stand at the 1998 Pet Expo 8-10 May at the Homebush Exhibition Grounds.
Made from recyclable plastic or vandal resistant steel, the bins have a removable plastic lined container for easy maintenance by Council staff. Deployment of the bins is expected to contribute to the awareness and reinforcement of the new Companion Animals legislation to be enacted shortly.
For further information contact Tony Hall or Raphael Klaesi, at Scoopie Products Pty Ltd, 5 McLaren Street, North Sydney, telephone (02) 9959 4985 or email designr@ozemail.com.au
