Ballina is facing an unsightly problem with dog poo appearing too often on streets and beaches.

Now one mystery resident has decided enough is enough.

Armed with bamboo sticks, wooden pegs and a sense of humour, someone has handcrafted around 20 miniature signs and planted them along the popular Dog Beach, along the spit beside the river.

Each miniature sign carries a cheeky rhyme or stern reminder, aimed squarely at those who let their pets “go” and walk away.

It’s part guerrilla protest, part outdoor art installation — and doubles as a grassroots public health campaign.

And it’s getting noticed.

Growing concern

Council rangers told Ballina News Daily they welcome the mystery protestor’s efforts.

They say complaints about abandoned dog waste are rising, with the problem worsening as pet ownership across the shire increases.

Among the poems left in the sand were:

“Footprints in the sand,
Brown reminder left behind,
Dogs’ mess on display.”

“Children play in sand,
Building castles and delight,
Find dog poo in hand.”

And one of the bluntest:

“Don’t dig a big hole,
Or throw it in the river,
Take a bag, clever!”

Locals back the campaign

Beachgoers say the mystery poet has struck a chord.

“Whoever did this has obviously gone to a lot of trouble,” said local dog owner Ben.

 “It’s unbelievable how lazy or careless some people can be. 

“This is one of Ballina’s best outdoor spaces and people come from long distances to enjoy it. 

“It would be very sad to think it could be ruined by careless and lazy people.”

Poodle-owner Margie said regular beach-goers were curious as to who might have gone to such effort, but were impressed.

 “They’re very clever and get the message across,” she said.

“My favourite is the one about the ‘black bags being left behind’ — I can’t believe people actually do that.”

A tough job to police

Rangers admit catching offenders is difficult. 

Unless an officer sees the dog do its business — and the owner walk away — fines are rarely issued.

“I’ve only issued one infringement notice over the past month,” one of the council staffers said.

So far, no one has owned up to being Ballina’s ‘guerrilla poet of poo’.

Did you make the “Signs in the Sand”? Ballina News Daily would love to hear from you.