The Environment
Dog fouling
What is dog fouling?
There are currently 7.4 million dogs in the UK. They produce 1,000 tonnes of dog mess each day. This has to be cleaned up.
Why is dog fouling bad?
Dog fouling is a dirty, smelly and potentially dangerous nuisance. It can turn local parks and play areas into dirty and smelly places. Dog mess can also cause you harm in the form of a disease that lives in it called toxocariasis.
This is basically a roundworm which lives in the toilet mess of dogs, foxes and cats. The roundworms eggs are resistant to freezing and disinfectants and can survive for two or more years. If you fall or slip over in dogs mess you can possibly become infected by the roundworm and its eggs. Over 16,000 people are affected by this disease every year with many people developing serious eye infections and in some cases blindness.
What is being done about it?
Blackburn with Darwen borough council have used the powers contained in the Clean neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2005 and have made a Dog Control Order for the whole borough which means that the owners of dogs are legally required to clear up any toilet mess from their dog or they may be given an on the spot fine of £75-00 or taken to court.
We also aim to help owners dispose of dog waste easily and hygienically by providing dog waste bins and litter bins in parks and other dog mess hotspots. You can also report dog fouling incidents yourself by calling B-Direct on 01254 585921
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