A MAN who has used controversial methods to try and draw attention to the amount of dog fouling in Minehead has been handed an Acceptable Behaviour Contract (ABC).

Steven Heard, 47, who is registered deaf and suffers from mobility problems, patrols Minehead on his mobility scooter picking up dog poo left around the town - particularly in the Culvercliffe area.

When he takes his dog for walks in the central, rural and coastal parks in the town, he repeatedly has to clean mess from the wheels of his scooter, and it is this which first drove him to campaign for change. Mr Heard has said that at its worst, he can pick up to 50 bags worth of dog poo in a day.

However, he has divided opinion after taking matters into his own hands, using water-soluble spray paint to highlight the faeces, spray painting messages and leaving signs to encourage dog walkers to clean up after their pups.

In 2016, Mr Heard received a number of abusive anonymous letters, threatening to put dog poo in his garden and referring to him a ‘fat silver-back gorilla’ among a barrage of expletives.

Somerset County Gazette:

A spokesman for West Somerset Council said: “The council is engaged in ongoing discussions with Mr Heard and would not comment on this individual case. 

“The council takes the issue of dog fouling very seriously and complaints regarding dog fouling and heavily fouled areas are investigated by the Environmental Health team. 

“Routine patrols take place in areas where complaints are received, we educate dog owners regarding responsible dog ownership including fouling, micro-chipping and keeping control of dogs in public open spaces.”

Now, a petition has been launched by Mr Heard with resident Shonie Millward, appealing for the council to repeal the order, and has gained 38 signatures so far.

“While some may think that his signs are annoying, one can assume that they are not as annoying as having to clean animal waste from your wheelchair every time you take your dog out,” the petition says.

“The petition first asks that the issue of dog mess be addressed by the correct government agencies and with the appropriate government funds, as opposed to being left to Mr Heard, and his own pocket.

“We ask secondly that both Minehead and West Somerset Councils work to retract the ridiculous ABC against Mr. Heard on these grounds alone, on top of addressing the problem themselves, as other councils have done so successfully.”