Praha 3, a district within Prague, has taken a proactive step in addressing the issue of dog waste on public streets with the launch of a new campaign. Titled “Ven se psíkem? Jen s pytlíkem!” (Out with your dog? Only with a bag!), the initiative aims to encourage responsible dog ownership and promote cleanliness in public spaces.

Despite the district’s previous investment of 2.4 million Czech korun in providing bags and bins for dog waste, some dog owners have failed to pick up after their pets, leading to pollution and inconvenience for others. In response, Praha 3 has introduced the campaign to raise awareness and instill a sense of responsibility among dog owners.

To support the campaign, Praha 3 has installed more than 320 stands equipped with bags for dog waste, replenished weekly with 50,000 bags. The central message of the campaign emphasizes that cleanliness is a shared responsibility, and it relies on the personal commitment of each dog owner. The bags are conveniently available at various locations, including the district’s information center, cultural center, and town hall.

The face of the campaign is Michal Vronský, the district’s mayor and a dog owner himself. Vronský emphasizes the importance of carrying bags when walking one’s dog, comparing them to essential items such as leashes or collars. By actively promoting responsible dog ownership, Praha 3 aims to create a cleaner and more pleasant environment for both residents and visitors.

The campaign extends beyond the provision of bag stands; it is also visible on public roads, which are frequented by dog owners in Praha 3. The district has painted its logo and slogan on these roads, further reinforcing the message and increasing visibility. With over 2,600 registered dogs in the district, the authorities are determined to encourage a culture of responsible dog ownership.

Apart from the immediate benefits of cleanliness and improved quality of public spaces, the campaign also has economic implications. Praha 3 spent a significant amount of 2.4 million Czech korun last year on bags and bins for dog waste. This expenditure could have been avoided if dog owners had fulfilled their responsibility of cleaning up after their pets. The campaign serves as a reminder of the collective effort required to maintain a clean and sustainable environment.

The issue of dog waste is not unique to Praha 3 but is prevalent in Prague and many other cities worldwide. By implementing this campaign, Praha 3 hopes to set an example and inspire similar initiatives in other districts and cities, ultimately leading to cleaner and more hygienic urban environments for all.

Article by Prague Forum