Truro’s Countryside Rangers Address Growing Concern Over Dog Fouling with Purple Poo Campaign

In an alarming update from Truro’s Countryside Rangers, a significant increase in dog fouling has been reported at the Coosebean Cycle Track. On February 2, 2024, rangers discovered 133 instances of dog fouling, marking a substantial rise from the 40 found on January 19, 2024. This issue is not isolated, as similar findings were reported at Daubuz Moor and Tremorvah Playing Field earlier in the month, with 18 and 59 instances, respectively.

• Coosebean Cycle Track 2/2/24 dog poo total: 133
• Daubuz Moor 26/1/24 dog poo total: 18
• Tremorvah Playing Field 26/1/24 dog poo total: 59
• Coosebean Cycle Track 19/1/24 dog poo total: 40

The findings come amidst the Purple Poo Campaign, an innovative effort by the rangers to highlight and combat the issue of dog waste in natural areas. The campaign involves marking dog poo with non-toxic, temporary chalk spray to visually emphasise the extent of the problem. Despite these efforts, the recent spike in dog fouling at Coosebean Cycle Track, particularly in Zone 5 where 48 instances were noted, underscores the ongoing challenge of ensuring responsible pet ownership.

The Purple Poo Campaign is not just about immediate cleanup but aims to address the long-term environmental impact of dog waste. Dog poo disrupts the natural nutrient cycle of wild spaces, leading to soil that is too nutrient-rich, which can harm plant diversity and encourage invasive species. Furthermore, dog waste poses a risk of disease, infection, and worms to other dogs, wildlife, and humans.

Truro’s Countryside Rangers have emphasised that the solution to this problem lies in the hands of dog owners. The campaign urges owners to be responsible by picking up after their pets and using provided bins, rather than resorting to flicking waste under bushes or leaving bagged poo in the undergrowth. This approach not only keeps recreational areas clean but also protects the environmental integrity of these spaces.

The Rangers have expressed gratitude towards responsible dog owners who have engaged with the Purple Poo Campaign and contributed to the upkeep of Truro’s natural areas. As the campaign continues, the hope is to see a reduction in dog fouling incidents, ensuring that the community can enjoy clean, safe, and healthy outdoor spaces.