1980s ‘No Fouling’ Sign

This prince amongst the museum’s collection of objects is a true sign of the times; reflecting developing health and social awareness, growing civic pride and the need for increasing legislative intervention in the late 20th Century. A talking-point object; something for the dog-owners, animal lovers or environmentalists to support through our Adopt and Object scheme.As the British economy, living standards and manufacturing output began to improve and grow after World War II, the ‘consumer society’ flourished, bringing with it the issue of waste and litter. By the mid-1950s, litter was seen as a national problem, leading to the first legislation in the form of the 1958 Litter Act; making littering a criminal offence with associated penalties. This Derby City Council sign, prohibiting dog fouling, relates to a 1988 campaign to clean up the streets and public spaces, and has its origins in this legislation. Today, the problem of dog fouling is enduring and the legislation to address the issue continues to evolve.