How to persuade my mairie to act over dog mess in France?
Several French communes have started to take tough stance against this
You can ask your mairie about instituting measures such as fines for dog owners who do not clean up
Monika Wisniewska / Shutterstock
Reader Question: How can I persuade my town to get tougher on pet owners who leave dog mess on the street?
Several communes in France are taking a stance against dog mess in streets, including shaming those responsible by putting signs next to the mess and paint around it, putting up warning notices, levying €135 fines and even creating dog DNA databases.
In the latter case, a commune in the Alpes-Maritimes is asking all local owners to take their dogs to local vets for a free DNA test, so that analysis of poop can later enable tracking down which animal was responsible.
Elsewhere, vigilante poop-watchers highlight the mess in order to shame those who do not clean up.
The mayor has powers to take measures aimed at maintaining public cleanliness and can introduce local initiatives to tackle dog fouling.
Residents may wish to ask whether the commune can increase signage, install additional dog waste bins or step up enforcement of existing rules.
You can also ask your mairie about instituting measures such as fines for dog owners who do not clean up or for a DNA database (the former being more likely in terms of costs).
If the mairie is receptive to the ideas, they may be discussed between councillors lead to their introduction.
Depending on the size of your mairie, you may be able to make a request online through a dedicated website, on the phone, or by going to the town hall in person.
Mairies often welcome feedback from residents. Providing examples of problem areas and gathering support from neighbours or local associations may help strengthen the case for action.
If you can point to particular streets, parks or squares where dog fouling is a recurring problem, and perhaps provide photographs, that can make it easier for the mairie.
Residents who feel the problem is widespread could also consider organising a petition, especially in larger communes.
While this does not oblige the mairie to take action, it may help demonstrate local support for tougher measures.
