Truro’s countryside rangers have been spray painting dog mess across the city in a bid to highlight just how much is left in public spaces by irresponsible dog owners.   

Parks and green areas have seen a spate of purple patches where rangers have sought to identify dog mess left behind by irresponsible owners.  

The Purple Poo Campaign began on January 19 at Coosebean Cycle Track, where 40 piles of smelly stuff were found.  

Last Friday, Daubuz Moor was subject to scrutiny, with a further 18 piles sprayed close to the top path. 

Tremorvah Playing Field was tackled the same day, with a whopping 59 unmentionables located and highlighted using non-toxic chalk paint. 

The campaign was inspired by a similar initiative on sites managed by the Torbay Coast and Countryside Trust in Devon. “I thought it was a great idea so I reached out to them to find out how they were going about it,” said Anna Cormie, assistant countryside ranger for Truro City Council.   

“It’s about raising awareness of just how much dog poo is left behind by dog owners on our sites. Of course, most people find dog poo to be unpleasant to come across when out on a walk, but there is more to it than just seeing it or stepping in it – it is bad for our wild spaces.” 

Ms Cormie explained that as well as carrying worms and diseases which can be passed on to wildlife, other dogs and even humans, nutrient-rich dog poo upsets the delicate soil balance required to encourage wildflower growth. 

“Most wildflowers prefer nutrient-poor soil, so when dog poo is added into these areas, it reduces our wildflowers and makes it easier for invasive species to take over,” she said.  

The Purple Poo Campaign is only the latest measure to encourage owners to pick it up and bin it.  

“We have put up posters explaining this in the hope of educating people as to why they should pick up dog poo, but it hasn’t had much impact on the issue,” said Ms Cormie. 

“We have asked the dog wardens to add our sites to their routes, but they are stretched and it is by chance that they could catch anyone out. We have decided to take this route in the hope it will highlight just how much dog poo is being left behind and get people to consider what it means to leave dog poo behind.” 

She added that rangers had been asked why they don’t just pick up the poo instead. “If we spent the time doing that on all of our sites, not only would it take away from the time we need to spend on improving public access and increasing biodiversity, but it wouldn’t encourage people to pick up after their dogs.   

“We know that sometimes a poo is genuinely missed, and we aren’t going for those people. This is to raise awareness that no matter where you are, be it city or countryside, leaving dog poo is not okay.” 

The rangers are using non-toxic Montana chalk spray, which washes away after a few rounds of rain. “Just to be extra-safe, we don’t use it on paths directly beside a waterway,” said Ms Cormie, adding:  “The campaign is scheduled to last a couple months - we’ll see where the numbers are at and take it from there. 

“We can only ask that people do pick up after their dog and hold other dog walkers accountable, as well as maybe carrying extra poo bags in case someone gets caught short.” 

Professional dog walker Lisa McKerron regularly walks her charges in Tremorvah Playing Field, and said: “I hate the fact that people don’t bother to pick up after their dogs, as it makes people think that all dog walkers are the same.

“If I see someone not picking up after their dog, I’ll shout over to them, offer them a poo bag. Responsible dog owners do this. 

“Unfortunately, I don’t think the campaign will have an impact. The people who don’t care, or are often too busy on their phones to keep an eye on their dog, won’t change their behaviour.  

“Catching people doing it and giving them a hefty fine is the only answer I can think of, but I expect the cost is prohibitive.”