THE increase in people buying dogs during the Covid pandemic has brought with it a new problem in some parts of the county – overflowing dog litter bins.

In some areas there are reports that dog litter bins just aren't big enough to cope with the increase in demand.

In March 2020, as Hitchin and the entire country went into lockdown, many people suddenly had more time, and decided to buy adorable puppies.

People who had been putting off getting a dog because of a lack of time at home found themselves time rich, viewing lockdown as the perfect opportunity to finally fall in love with a puppy.

However, nearly 18 months later, animal shelters are starting to see older puppies with behavioural issues handed over by frustrated owners with websites advertising pet sales full of listings for puppies being resold.

That's without factoring in the large number of puppies who are placing a demand on existing council services.

Councils across the county are already reviewing where the bins are located – and whether they need to be increased.

On Monday (July 26) the issue was raised at a meeting of the Hertfordshire Waste Partnership.

Cllr Phil Williams pointed to the increase in dog ownership during the pandemic – and the ongoing review by the district council.

"Dog litter bins have been overflowing left, right and centre," said Cllr Williams.

"And there are people throwing dog poo bags into hedges and hedgerows.

"So we are reviewing those and probably putting some extra ones up."

Meanwhile Cllr Tim Williams highlighted the "disgraceful behaviour" of those leaving litter in parks.

"The parks are being heavily used at the moment – and there seems to be an endemic at the moment of just leaving litter around," he said.

"It's actually disgraceful behaviour."

Cllr Williams also noted that those who used the 'recycling bins' in the park were failing to use them correctly.

He said: "We are finding our recycling bins heavily contaminated, as if people don't understand which bin to use – which I think is very unfortunate."