Dogs
Dogs are an integral part of any rural community, and North Marston has many sensible dog owners.
So it is disappointing that the Parish Council has received a number of complaints recently about a seeming increase in dog fouling in the village. Clearly a small minority of dog owners are not acting responsibly.
Dog fouling is dangerous
Toxocariasis is caused by the roundworm toxocara canis, present in dogs. Humans can become infected by swallowing toxocara eggs, which are found in dog faeces. After hatching, the larvae wander through the human body causing a variety of symptoms including damage to the eye. Children are particularly at risk.
Cleaning up after your dog is therefore very important. Please act reponsibly and clear up if your dog has a poo.
If you see a dog owner or walker who does not clear up after their dog, you are entitled to report the incident to the Dog Warden (details on the right).
The Law
The Dogs (Fouling of Land) Act 1996 replaces the old bye-laws. It allows the local authority to prosecute irresponsible dog owners if they do not clear up after their dog, after allowing it to foul in a designated area. Owners can be fined up to £1000 if they fail to comply.
Designated areas include:
- all carriageways with a speed limit of 40mph less, and adjoining footpaths and verges
- all parks, recreation grounds, sports grounds/pitches and open spaces owned, maintained and/or controlled by the District, Town or Parish Councils
- open grassed areas located adjacent to areas of residential housing
- public Rights of Way
- canal towpaths and reservoir footpaths
- church yards and cemeteries
- allotments
- public car parks and pedestrianised areas
- plus a number of specially designated areas across the Vale.