Madrid’s city council is planning to implement a new system of fines to combat the issue of dog excrement on the streets. The initiative, dubbed “Yes, we can,” will see offending dog owners face fines of up to €1,500. If the owner is unable to pay, they will be offered the option to perform community service in lieu of the fine. This could include tasks such as cleaning graffiti or maintaining public gardens.
The council has also introduced a “civic agents” programme to encourage responsible pet ownership. These agents will patrol the streets, identifying and reporting any dog owners who fail to clean up after their pets. The council is hopeful that these measures will help to reduce the amount of dog excrement on the city’s streets, which has been a long-standing issue.
In addition to the new fine system, Madrid’s city council is also investing in educational programmes to promote responsible pet ownership. These programmes will target both adults and children, educating them on the importance of cleaning up after their pets. The council believes that education and enforcement go hand in hand in solving this problem.
To further support these initiatives, the council is also planning to install more dog waste bins around the city. These bins will be clearly marked and conveniently located to encourage dog owners to dispose of their pet’s waste responsibly.
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