Data needed on dispenser trial

WHERE have all the doggy-do bags gone?
Gone to dog walkers every one – it seems!

Manawatu District Council is keen to get public feedback on a doggy-do bag dispenser currently being trialled at Feilding’s Timona Park to assist dog walkers whose animals may be “caught short”.

Principal Environmental Officer, Colin Perrin, said the dispenser was installed in mid-February on a trial basis so its use could be assessed and whether extra providers needed to be introduced at other dog walking sites in the town.
About 1000 biodegradable bags are contained in rolls of 10 in the stainless steel dispenser, located near the Campbell Street entrance to the park, and it appears they are being used, especially at weekends.

But council is interested as to who is using the dispenser and the suitability or otherwise of the bags.
Parks and Reserves Manager, Albert James, said he restocked the dispenser every two weeks with up to 400 new bags, so the usage rate was relatively high.

“We have not seen any of the bags discarded around parks or any evidence of misuse, so it does seem to be working. But we would like to get some more information,” he said.
Mr Perrin said the dispenser was something new for the district and aimed at helping keep playing fields and grounds free of animal droppings.

“People are using the dispenser and it would be good to get a better idea of how people are finding it so we could look at what the next step may be,” he said.
Users can contact the council on (06) 323-0000 or email public@mdc.govt.nz