Dog poo problems turn into anonymous threats for residents near Winchester Cathedral

The unpleasant missive has prompted them to plead with dog owners to consider where they are walking and to clean up after their pets.

The residents, who live near Winchester Cathedral, say they are facing a growing amount of “irresponsible dog owners” who don’t clean up and allow them to urinate where they please.

One resident, in an effort to reduce the problem, left a polite notice on a chalkboard in plant pots on her doorstep urging dog owners not to let their dogs urinate. 

A couple of months later they were shocked to find a dog poo bag with an “upsetting” note pinned to it in place of their chalkboard notice, which had been stolen.

Thankfully the dog poo bag did not contain any nasty surprises, just another clean bag inside it, but the note read: “This is what anal people like you deserve!!”

The woman, who has lived in the same property for the last 16 years and wished to remain anonymous, said: “I feel certain that dog owners don’t allow their pets to soil immediately outside their own front door and living in one of the historic cathedral streets we, along with our neighbours, feel that we shouldn’t have to clear up dog mess on a regular basis or be abused anonymously.

“Most people respected the note and it stopped. But now I look at every dog owner going past, and think 'is it you?' I feel sorry for the responsible dog owners as it’s only a couple of irresponsible people who are ruining it.

“People now feel threatened in their own homes - we are all vulnerable. It’s horrible to feel this way. It’s very upsetting that someone - who obviously is a dog lover - was so abusive in a note. If they really felt I was being unfair or rude why couldn’t they knock on my door?”

The note was neatly attached to the bag with a pin, which has led the homeowner to believe the act was pre-planned.

Despite what happened, she has once again propped up a new chalkboard. The board says: “We would like to thank all the considerate dog owners.”

The Winchester resident has been supported by her neighbour, a dog owner of 40 years.

She said: “As a dog owner I take my responsibility seriously, as do most dog owners. Sadly, there will always be one or two people who don’t think the rules apply to them or don’t care. To leave piles of dog poo along the street and worse, right on people’s doorstep - I just can’t comprehend that people think it’s okay.”

They are urging people to consider where they are walking their dogs and the wider implications of not cleaning up after them.