Dog Fouling in Pitstone

Residents have complained about dog fouling along our footpaths, on our recreation ground, along the permissive footpaths and in the Local Wildlife Site off Westfield Road (which is not common ground as it is in private ownership & all dog fouling should be cleared).   This inconsiderate behaviour from a minority of dog owners is completely unacceptable and causes particular problems on the approach to Brookmead School and Windmill Pre-School where it gets onto the wheels of pushchairs, onto children’s shoes and then onto the carpets in the schools, where children then have to sit and touch the flooring with their hands.

 

How serious is this?

Dog mess is not only unpleasant it is a risk to health. The biggest threat to public health from dog excrement is toxocariasis, an infection of the roundworm toxocara canis. The eggs of the parasite can be found in soil or sand contaminated with faeces and if swallowed, result in infection that lasts between six and 24 months. Symptoms include eye disorders, vague ache, dizziness, nausea, asthma and, in extremely rare cases, seizures/fits. Toxocariasis most commonly affects small children as they tend to put their hands in their mouths after crawling around.

 

It is an offence for dog owners to fail to clear up any dog foul left by their dogs.

Offenders can be issued with a fixed penalty notice or a fine of up to £1,000 if the case goes to court.  Being unaware that your dog has fouled or not having a suitable means of clearing up after your dog is no excuse – you should carry poop scoop bags whenever you are out with your dog.

 

Where do I have to clear up after my dog?

You should clean up after your dog wherever you are. Kicking dog waste into the gutters is not acceptable. Nor is kicking it under a hedge.

 

Where can I dispose of my dog’s waste?

There are currently 16 dog waste bins in Pitstone alone.  However, you can dispose of dog waste in suitable bags in any public litter bin, of which there are another 19 in Pitstone, so there are 35 opportunities for you to dispose of your waste as you walk through our village.  You can also take your dog waste home and dispose of it in your green general household waste bin.

 

 

 

What else can I do to help keep Pitstone clear of dog waste?

Please report all incidents of dog fouling on footpaths, to the Aylesbury Vale District Council dog warden service via their online reporting form available at https://www.aylesburyvaledc.gov.uk/dog-fouling.  AVDC can implement more frequent cleansing visits or patrols by the dog warden if they are aware of a large-scale problem.

 

If you witness someone allowing their dog to foul, please report them to AVDC using the webpage above which also gives you some useful advice about the type of information they need in order to approach and fine a dog owner.   Photographic evidence on your mobile phone would be very helpful in securing a prosecution.

 

 

Let’s work together to prove that dog fouling in our public open spaces and on our footpaths will not be tolerated and culprits will be reported and fined.

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