Prague 3 District Launches “Out With Your Dog? Only With a Bag!” Campaign

A new initiative has been launched in Prague 3 to address the issue of dog waste left on public streets.

The campaign, known as “Out with your dog? Only with a bag!” aims to encourage dog owners to clean up after their pets and tackle the lack of access to bags and bins.

Prague 3 allocated 2.4 million CZK last year to provide unique bags and bins specifically designed for dog waste. Despite this investment, some dog owners still neglect to pick up after their pets, resulting in pollution and inconvenience for other members of the community.

In response, Prague 3 has introduced this new “Ven se psíkem? Jen s pytlíkem!” campaign.

To facilitate responsible dog ownership, the district has installed over 320 stands equipped with bags for dog waste. These stands are regularly replenished with 50,000 bags each week.

The central message of the campaign emphasizes that cleanliness is a shared responsibility, placing the onus on individual dog owners to act responsibly. The bags are conveniently accessible at several locations, including the district’s information center, cultural center, and town hall.

The campaign is spearheaded by Michal Vronský, the mayor of Prague 3 and a dog owner himself. Vronský highlights the importance of carrying bags while walking one’s dog, stating, “As a dog owner, I always ensure I have bags with me and am prepared when needed. The same should apply to all dog owners.” The bags are regarded as essential items, akin to leashes or collars.

In addition to the bag stands, the campaign’s presence can be observed on public roads frequently used by dog owners. The district’s logo and slogan have been painted on these roads.

With over 2,600 registered dogs in Praha 3, the district’s authorities aim to promote responsible dog ownership through this initiative.

The campaign goes beyond mere cleanliness concerns; it also carries economic implications. The district incurred expenses of 2.4 million CZK last year on bags and bins for dog waste, which could have been avoided had dog owners been more responsible.

Failure to clean up after pets is a prevalent issue not only in Prague but also in other cities worldwide.