Cumberland Council’s bold initiative—Operation T.U.R.D. (Together, United for Responsible Dog Ownership) took to the streets of Carlisle this week, delivering a clear message: dog fouling will not be tolerated.
The campaign, which blends education, engagement, and enforcement, aims to tackle one of the most persistent and unpleasant issues affecting our public spaces. Dog fouling is not just an eyesore—it poses serious health risks, spoils community environments, and damages the quality of life for everyone.
On Wednesday 4 June, Operation T.U.R.D. was in full force in Carlisle city centre. Enforcement officers were active from 9.00am to 2.30pm, transforming Scotch Street into a full-on ‘grime scene’, running poo checkpoints in Bitts Park, and even deploying plain-clothed officers to catch offenders in the act.
Cumberland Councillor Denise Rollo, Executive Member for Sustainable, Resilient and Connected Places, said:
“Cumberland Council has a zero-tolerance policy on dog fouling. This week’s operation showed how combining education, engagement, and enforcement gets results. We’re serious about protecting our public spaces, and we want every resident to feel proud of their community.
“This campaign proves that when we work together, with responsible dog owners, community groups, and local representatives, we can make a real difference”
The campaign’s name, Operation T.U.R.D., may raise eyebrows, but that’s the point. Its cheeky, attention-grabbing title was chosen deliberately to spark conversations and drive public engagement around a serious issue that affects everyone.
Through this campaign, Cumberland Council is reinforcing that everyone has a role to play in keeping our communities clean, safe, and welcoming.
The initiative will continue to:
- Empower residents to take action
- Ensure cleaner, more accessible public spaces
- Hold offenders accountable
- Make Cumberland a better place to live and visit
Operation T.U.R.D. is led by Cumberland Enforcement Officers, who will continue to be out in communities, providing support, raising awareness, and taking firm action against irresponsible behaviour.
If you witness dog fouling or want to report an incident, visit: https://www.cumberland.gov.uk/bins-recycling-and-street-cleaning/street-cleaning/report-dog-fouling