**Dog Waste Bags Hung in Trees Along Carmarthenshire Riverside Leave Councillors Baffled**
A picturesque stretch of the River Amman in Carmarthenshire has become the unlikely scene of an unsightly and growing problem, as discarded dog poo bags dangle from trees and bushes along the riverside path, drawing comparisons to festive decorations. This unusual and unwelcome spectacle has left local councillors confused and frustrated, as mounting evidence suggests that some dog walkers are failing to dispose of their canine waste responsibly.
Councillor Colin Evans, who represents Ammanford, raised the issue during a recent council scrutiny meeting, expressing disbelief over the mentality of those who would collect their dog’s waste only to then throw the bags into the surrounding vegetation. Speaking before the council’s place, sustainability, and climate change scrutiny committee, Cllr Evans described walking between Pontamman and Brynamman and discovering numerous poo bags tossed over the riverside fence, where they now hang conspicuously from branches.
“It’s as if the shrubbery along the riverside has been decorated for Christmas, but instead of baubles, you have these dog poo bags festooned from every available twig,” said Cllr Evans. He went on to highlight his concern about the negative impact on the area’s natural beauty, with bags “languishing” in the greenery for years and spoiling the riverside for everyone—walkers, local residents, and wildlife alike.
The meeting was held as the council considered renewing their existing Public Space Protection Order (PSPO), which sets out specific responsibilities for dog owners. If extended for a further three years, the order would continue to require owners to pick up after their pets, put them on a lead if instructed by an authorised council officer, and keep dogs out of enclosed playgrounds at all times. The PSPO forms part of ongoing efforts to keep public spaces safe and pleasant for everyone.
Cllr Evans questioned whether councillors themselves had the authority to ask dog owners to leash their pets and, if so, whether they should expect resistance or even verbal abuse in response. Under the current PSPO, only enforcement officers formally authorised by the council may insist that owners bring their dogs under control. Council representatives at the meeting clarified that, at present, this authority is limited to council enforcement personnel, but promised to keep the question under review—especially as the riverside walk continues to attract reports of antisocial behaviour.
Public concern over the state of local amenities has increased as complaints about dog fouling continue to arrive. Figures presented to the committee indicated that, from 2016 through to the end of 2024, a total of 3,425 complaints had been lodged with the council regarding dog fouling, resulting in 136 fixed penalty notices. A further seven dog owners were prosecuted for failing to pay these fines, demonstrating the challenge of encouraging responsible pet ownership through enforcement alone.
Additional restrictions, such as dog bans on certain beach areas during the busy summer months, are already in place in Carmarthenshire. A stretch of Llansteffan beach and a mile-long section of Cefn Sidan beach are designated dog-free zones from May through September to minimise public health risks and preserve the environment for all users.
Public Space Protection Orders are reviewed every three years, with any new prohibitions added only where clear evidence justifies further restrictions. The council continues to emphasise the importance of positive action from the community, encouraging residents and visitors alike to respect shared spaces by disposing of dog waste correctly—ideally in designated bins or by taking bags home.
As debates around enforcement and community responsibility persist, many in Carmarthenshire hope that the festive, if unpleasant, adornments to riverside trees are a temporary blight. For now, the issue serves as a visual reminder that shared spaces depend on the cooperation and respect of everyone who visits them. The council anticipates that ongoing review and potential increased enforcement will help address the issue—and restore the beauty of the River Amman walk for all to enjoy.