Notice to all Dog Walkers
It is an offence for your dog to foul on public land
and you fail to remove the faeces.
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 – the facts
According to recent surveys the waste left behind by dogs is the single biggest environmental concern that people have about the local area. The overwhelming majority of people find dog waste unacceptable. With an estimated 4.5 million dog owners allowing their pets to foul and around 1000 tonnes of dog waste produced daily in the UK, there is a clear need to raise awareness of the need to ‘pick up the problem’.
Dog faeces carry harmful infections, the most widely known being Toxocariasis. Human Toxocariasis is potentially a serious infection and is a direct consequence of soil or sand contamination with faeces carrying eggs of the parasite. The parasite can only infect humans if swallowed. Once swallowed, the infection can last between six and 24 months. Frequently the infection is through the hands, but can also be with the dogs themselves or through inanimate objects such as wheels of toys, soles of shoes, etc. Many infected soil samples are found in children’s play areas and in the streets and as a result of this, Toxocariasis is mainly found in children between 18 months and five years. Eye disorders are the most commonly reported complaint associated with Toxocariasis, although other symptoms are vague aches, dizziness, nausea, asthma and epileptic fits.
The Law
Under the Dogs (Fouling of Land) Act 1996 failure to clean up dog fouling is an offence subject to a maximum fine of £1,000.
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.
Reporting Offenders
Please click on this link to report offenders
http://aylesburyvaledc.gov.uk/dog-fouling