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Scoop The Poop

Last year the Parish Council worked with dog owners to tackle the problem of dog fouling in the village. The results of this have been very encouraging, with fewer incidents of dog owners ignoring the law and not picking up after their pets. When the nights draw in and dogs are being exercised in the dark it is important dog owners remain vigilant and continue to pick up any dog mess. All villagers should be aware of the law regarding dog fouling.

The Dogs (Fouling of Land) Act 1996 and Rushcliffe Borough Council Dog Fouling Order 1998 which cover all maintained land (roads and footpaths) in the village, plus the Memorial Hall Park and Memorial Hall Grounds (the playing field) and the whole of the Grantham Canal tow path within the Borough. This means that dog owners must pick up after their dogs in all these areas. The Rushcliffe Dog Warden regularly patrols and has the power to issue fixed penalty notices on the spot. You could be fined £1,000. Dog mess is not only unsightly; it is a health hazard for everybody.

To help clear up after your dog:

• Free dog waste bags for dog owners can be collected from the Post Office or from the Parish Clerk at The Old School.

• More dog mess disposal bins have been installed in the village at convenient locations, the sites have been chosen by dog owners.

• Additional signage has been put up around the village to remind dog owners of their obligations under the law.

• The Parish Council would like all dog owners to act responsibly and offer other dog owners bags or other help if they see them leaving dog mess.

If you have any suggestions to help stamp out dog fouling please contact the Parish Clerk.

 

Top Excuses People Use When They Are Caught Allowing Their Dogs To Foul In Public Places

• I didn’t see my dog do it
  The owner must supervise their dog at all times
• I thought the dog was urninating.
  It is possible to tell the difference, if you are unsure, you should always check
• I’ve got a medical condition and can’t bend down.
  The only condition that provides a defence is if the person in charge is registered blind
• I work for the emergency services.
  Then you should be working to protect our clean, green and safe environment
• I saw you watching, so pretended to pick it up.
  Then you must know it is an offence to leave it there.

 

Dog foul on our streets is a real concern.
Here are a few frightening facts about the hazards than can occur from this problem.

Dog excrement can be infected by eggs from the parasitic worm, , toxocara, which once ingested can turn into larvae which often migrate to the brain, liver or eye. Toxocara is a common roundworm that lives in the intestines of almost all new born puppies and some adult dogs. Adult worms pass eggs into the environment in their faeces which can then be accidentally ingested by humans. Symptoms of infection can vary, but include blindness, asthma, headache, sore throat, aching arms and legs, pain and stomach upsets. The illness lasts for many years, is often not diagnosed and is very difficult to treat. Cats and other mammals and birds can also carry toxocara. Pet owners can help prevent infection through taking care to clear up after their dog faeces on the street and by making sure that hands are always washed after handling dogs, cats and other pets.

Pet owners have a duty to be responsible in caring for their dogs and make sure that they do not endanger the health of others by letting dogs foul on the streets.