Pooch bins misused in Masterton

Dirty nappies, fish bones and the severed remains of a deer are just a few of the items that have been appearing in Masterton's Doggy Doo Bins.

Masterton District Council officers are unhappy that the bins, designed for people to dispose of their pooches' mess, are being used for dumping household rubbish.

The bins are emptied weekly by animal control officers, who are now regularly uncovering illegally disposed refuse.

"There are around 45 Doggy Doo Bins in the Masterton urban area and unfortunately a number of these are being abused," said planning and environment manager Sue Southey.

"Officers are finding sacks full of domestic rubbish every week.

All bins are clearly marked "Doggy Doos Please" but they are increasingly being used as rubbish bins, which is extremely disappointing."

The council approached the Times-Age about the matter after a deer's head was discovered in a Doggy Doo Bin.

It is an offence under the Litter Act to dump rubbish on public or private property without the consent of the owner of that property.

"Where council can prove who has disposed of their rubbish illegally, we will take action," Mrs Southey said.

"Members of the public are asked to notify Masterton District Council if they see people using [Doggy Doo Bins] as rubbish bins."

Anyone caught dumping household refuse in the bins will be fined $400.

On a more positive note, Mrs Southey says the majority of Masterton dog owners are cleaning up after their four-legged friends and making good use of the Doggy Doo Bins.

"Dog fouling on footpaths is far less of a problem than in years gone by," she says. The $300 fine for that offence rarely needs to be enforced.

The provision of Doggy Doo Bins and bag dispensers is one of the services Masterton dog owners receive for their dog registration fees.