European municipalities launch campaigns against dog waste

Municipalities in Belgium and France are launching awareness campaigns to combat the issue of uncollected dog waste in public spaces.

In Grimbergen, Belgium, local authorities have introduced a window poster campaign titled ‘Strontvervelend’ to encourage dog owners to clean up after their pets. Environmental Alderman Chantal Lauwers noted that while most owners comply, a minority leaves waste on sidewalks and green zones, creating unhygienic conditions. Violators face fines of up to 350 euros, and community wardens will be patrolling to monitor compliance.

Similarly, Saint-Laurent-du-Var in France has launched a campaign using humor and social media to remind residents of their responsibilities. Featuring the slogan ‘I did my part. Now it’s your turn!’, the initiative aims to maintain the city's image and cleanliness. The municipality warned that owners failing to pick up waste could face a criminal fine of 135 euros, which can be combined with administrative fines of 100 to 300 euros for repeat offenses, totaling up to 435 euros.