Pollença is set to enter a new era of street cleanliness as the Town Hall, in a major partnership with the local association “Cans Can,” prepares to launch a rigorous anti-dog fouling policy. The campaign aims to put an end to what activists describe as a persistent “eyesore” that poses a serious health risk to the community, particularly its youngest members.
Vigilance and Hefty Fines
The cornerstone of this new initiative is a “campaign of vigilance.” Under the proposed rules, any resident who witnesses a dog fouling in a public space and fails to intervene—or any owner who does not immediately pick up and dispose of their pet’s waste—could face significant financial penalties. Fines are expected to reach up to 200€ for those caught ignoring the new mandate.
To support the transition, the Town Hall plans to flood the town with new resources, including:
- Increased Poop Bag Dispensers: Strategically placed along popular walking routes.
- Specialized Bins: Clearly marked receptacles for sanitary disposal.
- Signage: Educational posters highlighting the legal and health consequences of non-compliance.
The Invisible Danger: Toxocariasis
Speaking to Pollensa Now, Jill Carter, president of Association Cans Can, and treasurer Helen Jones emphasized that the move is about much more than aesthetics. They categorized the current state of some streets as “medieval behaviour.”
“Not only is it an eyesore, but dog poo can be lethal,” they warned.
The pair highlighted the risk of Toxocariasis, an infection caused by roundworm larvae often found in dog waste. If these microscopic eggs make contact with a person’s eye—often through contaminated soil or hands—it can lead to permanent blindness. This condition is especially dangerous for children, who are more likely to play on the ground and then touch their faces.+2
“If not for ourselves, do it for the kids,” Carter concluded.
Funding Guaranteed
While a specific start date for the patrols and fine implementation has not yet been confirmed, the Association remains undeterred. According to Carter and Jones, the funding for the bag dispensers and initial campaign materials is already secured. They claim the initiative will move forward “with or without the townhall’s support,” signaling a fierce community-led drive to clean up the municipality once and for all.
