A device for removing animal excrement from a surface. The device has a cylindrical member, and a hollow outer member. The cylindrical member acts as a handle, one end of which terminates in a collar to which is attached a plurality of outwardly-biased gripping members. The hollow outer member is adapted to move over a tubular portion of the handle from a first position in which the gripping members are enclosed within the outer member to a second position in which the gripping members are exposed to enable them to deploy for use. A compression spring incorporated in the tubular portion of the handle is adapted to bear on the outer member to urge the outer member from the position at which the gripping members are exposed to that at which they are enclosed within the outer member.