### Carmarthenshire Sports Pitches Face Ongoing Issues Due to Persistent Dog Fouling
Carmarthenshire’s much-loved sports pitches are facing a significant threat as dog fouling continues to blight these community spaces. With growing reports of dog mess being left behind on marked pitches, concerns are mounting over the impact this is having on grassroots sport, the health of young people, and the enjoyment of local facilities.
In a bid to combat the problem, Carmarthenshire County Council has stepped up its response. The council is actively calling on residents and local sports clubs to help address what is becoming an increasingly prominent issue. According to officials, not only does dog fouling create an unpleasant environment for players and spectators alike, but it also poses genuine health hazards, particularly for children and young participants.
To better understand and tackle the problem, the council has introduced an ‘Evidence Gathering Toolkit.’ This initiative is targeted at clubs with access to marked sports pitches, equipping them with straightforward tools to record incidents of dog fouling. The toolkit was initially rolled out in collaboration with town and community councils in November 2024, forming the foundation of a broader campaign to banish mess from playing fields.
The evidence-gathering effort is structured to allow clubs to note the frequency and severity of offences. By collecting this data, the council aims to build a clearer picture of the scale of the problem. Crucially, this information could influence future amendments to Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPOs), enhancing the authority’s ability to act where needed and keep these areas safe for public use.
Cllr Edward Thomas, cabinet member responsible for transport, waste, and infrastructure services, emphasised the importance of the initiative: “Our sports pitches are at the centre of community life across Carmarthenshire. Allowing them to be blighted by dog fouling is both distressing and potentially dangerous to those who use them, especially children and young athletes.”
Since the toolkit’s launch, several local clubs have already begun utilising it, offering valuable insights into the extent of the issue. Now, the council is expanding the campaign, encouraging all sports organisations across the county to participate. By doing so, they hope their combined efforts will yield a comprehensive dataset, providing the council with the evidence needed to justify and implement decisive actions.
It is important to note that this toolkit is specifically designed for marked sports pitches. The council has made it clear that, for now, the system will not be extended to general recreational park areas, focusing efforts on sports and training facilities where risks are deemed to be highest.
Cllr Thomas underlined the need for community engagement: “This toolkit presents a proactive solution for clubs to identify, record, and report problems effectively. With solid evidence, we can implement actions that genuinely address local concerns, keeping these valuable spaces both clean and safe for everyone.”
The council is urging any club that experiences ongoing issues with dog fouling to make use of the toolkit. Members of the public and representatives from sports teams who would like to register interest or learn more can contact pspodogorders@carmarthenshire.gov.uk for guidance and support.
As Carmarthenshire County Council rolls out this campaign on a wider scale, it stands as a reminder of the collective effort required to protect community spaces. In the meantime, the message remains clear: responsible dog ownership and prompt action from residents and clubs are vital to keeping Carmarthenshire’s playing fields fit for future generations.