Vilvoorde Tackles Dog Poop with Alternative Punishment: 'Clean Up Parks or Pay Fine'

The city of Vilvoorde is intensifying its efforts to combat the persistent problem of dog feces left on public streets. Launching a campaign with the pointed slogan 'We won't let them poop on our heads in Vilvoorde,' the municipality aims to enforce cleaner public spaces.

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Anyone who owns a dog also has a responsibility. Dog feces do not belong on the sidewalk, in the park, or in front of someone's door. A clean city starts with mutual respect.

Starting next week, individuals caught failing to clean up after their dogs will face consequences. City wardens will issue fines or offer an alternative punishment: cleaning up dog waste in Vilvoorde's parks. This measure follows a week of sensitization and information distribution.

During the initial week, community wardens are patrolling and engaging with dog owners. Those found carrying waste bags receive a small reward, such as dog biscuits, and are provided with additional bags. This approach aims to encourage responsible behavior before resorting to penalties.

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After this week of information and sensitization, we will start enforcing penalties next week. Offenders will receive a GAS fine, but they can also opt for an alternative punishment, such as cleaning up all the dog feces in Vilvoorde's parks.

"Anyone who owns a dog also has a responsibility," stated Tine Paredis, Vilvoorde's alderman for Cleanliness. "Dog feces do not belong on the sidewalk, in the park, or in front of someone's door. A clean city starts with mutual respect." Paredis emphasized that while sensitization is the first step, the city will enforce rules for those who continue to ignore them.

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Many people are rightly annoyed by dog feces on the street. That is why we want to take strict action. We are also calling on residents to hang up our campaign poster.