Time for Torrevieja pet owners to clean up

PET owners are receiving a quiet reminder this month that they should clean up after their pets, as Torrevieja Town Hall launches a new campaign asking owners to pick it up.

A marketing campaign is being conducted in both Spanish and English, reaching out to the thousands of the city’s dog owners through newspapers, radio, TV and billboards around the city.

They have also embraced new technology through utilising Facebook by creating an original game that focuses on the collection of dog excrement in Torrevieja’s streets, parks, gardens and squares.

The campaign was launched on Thursday and the first phase has begun with advertising boards being set up in 50 locations around the city.

The second phase is being rolled into place this weekend. In order to push forward the importance of the campaign, the municipal council are also handing out 2,000 key chains that contain pouches to hold plastic bags, making it even easier and as convenient as possible to allow owners to clear up after their pet.

The police will also be vigilant in applying Municipal Ordinance on animal husbandry, of which Article 18 says: “Owners must prevent their animals depositing their droppings in areas of pedestrian traffic, and must clean up after them.”

Dolon also said that the city has over 100 bins for animal excrement mainly in parks and gardens of the town, which have bags to collect such waste.

Torrevieja also has more video cameras per capita than any other Spanish municipality and since not cleaning up after a dog is against the Municipal Ordinance of Article 18, there is a possibility that offenders may be fined for such irresponsible actions.

Along with cleaning up after one’s dog, Dolon also introduced a new awareness campaign regarding the collection of household goods and furniture.

Many residents may not be aware that there is no need to abandon white or brown goods or even furniture in the street, as there are special trucks that will pick these items up and dispose of them in the correct manner.

If anyone has large or heavy household items that are for disposable, they should call 96 670 23 90 for municipal collection.

By Keith Nicol