A newly released survey by Vitasure has shed light on the escalating problem of dog fouling in South East London. In a bid to understand the magnitude of the issue, Vitasure submitted Freedom of Information requests to local authorities, seeking data on dog fouling complaints between 2023 and 2024.
The results showed that out of the four boroughs in South East London, a total of 2,249 cases of dog fouling were reported during this period, with Bromley being the only borough that did not provide data. Shockingly, Lewisham emerged as the area with the highest number of reported incidents, accounting for a staggering 1,200 sightings. This represents a significant increase of 370 cases compared to the previous year, when Lewisham reported 830 incidents.
In contrast, Southwark, also in South East London, recorded a lower figure of 752 reported dog fouling cases during the same time period. This vast disparity between boroughs highlights the urgent need for authorities to address the issue and implement targeted measures to combat this growing problem.
Interestingly, Vitasure’s research uncovered a parallel increase in public concern about dog fouling. Google searches for “reporting dog fouling” have surged by 140 percent in the past 90 days, indicating a rising awareness and desire amongst residents to take action.
It is clear that the authorities in South East London must take immediate steps to combat the issue of dog fouling, particularly in boroughs like Lewisham, where incidents have reached alarming levels. Local initiatives, awareness campaigns, increased patrols, and stricter penalties could help create an environment where dog owners are more responsible and accountable for their pets’ waste. Only through collective efforts can we tackle this problem effectively and ensure cleaner, safer streets for all residents.