Some useful information you can use in tacking any dog fouling problems.
People and particularly children can become ill with Toxocara which can in extreme cases lead to blindness.
So here are a few facts:
– Research estimates a single dog mess can contain approximately 1million microscopic Toxocara eggs (these come from roundworms).
– Toxocara eggs are not infectious for approximately 2 – 3 weeks after they have been deposited by a dog.
– Therefore freshly deposited faeces should not be infectious, and you can safely clear up after your dog.
The Dog Warden service at Central Beds Council has responsibility for following up dog fouling, which is an offence when anyone allows a dog, which they are responsible for, to foul and not clear it up immediately when in a public place such as:
- footways and paths, including public footpaths
- play areas, picnic sites and outdoor eating places
- sports playing pitches
- formal parks and land where the grass is cut
- land outside schools and hospitals
- car parks, public transport bays and surrounds
- cycle ways and surfaced areas near to houses
- cemeteries and war memorials
It can be reported (see contact details below) to Central Beds Council dog wardens, who, along with authorised council officers and certain rangers and officers have the power to issue fixed penalty notices to members of the public who allow their dog to foul and fail to remove it. It is therefore important that dog owners/walkers keep footpaths, verges, grazing fields and public areas clear of dog excrement by bagging it and disposing it appropriately. Dogs should also be kept on their leads on public footpaths and roads so that owners can check if any dog mess needs clearing up.
There are dog bins in the Parish in which to put the bags. Dog owners/walkers can always dispose of their bags and contents when they get home.
Penalties
The penalty for committing an offence contained in a Dog Control Order is a maximum fine of £1,000. Alternatively, the opportunity to pay a Fixed Penalty Notice of £80 may be offered in place of prosecution. This can be reduced to £50 if paid within 14 days.
For more information contact the Dog Warden service
Telephone: 0300 300 8302
Email: community.safety@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk
Post: Central Bedfordshire Council, Watling House, High Street North, Dunstable, Bedfordshire, LU6 1LF
What should dog owners do?
Responsible owners do not allow their dogs to foul public places. If dog fouling does occur, the responsible owner should clean up straight away after the dog.
Any suitable plastic bag can be used, or special poop-scoop bags which can be purchased from pet shops store or veterinary surgeries. Dispose of the faeces in a poop-scoop bin or take the bag home for disposal.
Not clearing up your dog mess is an OFFENCE and ILLEGAL.