To those who bag and bin their dog’s poo – thank you.
To those that do not, we send the following request:
Dog fouling is a major concern to many people, not just because of the mess it causes, but because it can be a health risk. Dogs may deposit roundworm eggs (toxocara canis) in their faeces, which become infectious after about 3 weeks, and can remain so for up to 2 years. Anyone, but particularly children playing near to the ground, run the risk of picking up and swallowing the eggs. The eggs hatch in the intestine, burrow through the intestine wall into the blood stream and pass into the body. In rare cases eye disease and loss of vision can be caused when the toxocara larva passes through the eye.
Neosporosis is caused by a parasite for which dogs are the definitive host. The parasite can survive in the grass and soil long after the poo has washed away and causes miscarriages in sheep and cattle.
Dog walkers can significantly reduce the danger of roundworm and Neosporosis infections, and make a walk more enjoyable for all, by ensuring that you always:
- Clean up after your dog. Don’t assume that because you are in the country it’s “Ok” to leave dog poo on ground.
- Pick up your dog’s poo using a nappy sack or plastic bag – turning it inside out to seal the faeces inside. Either dispose of in a designated dog bin provided by the council, (there are at least 10 dog poo bins in Long Wittenham), or double wrap it, take it home, and dispose in your black waste bin.
- Be aware of what your dog is doing at all times. Don’t walk your dog in designated children’s play areas.
If you don’t clean up after your dog, you are risking a £25 on the spot fine or £1,000 maximum penalty if you have to appear in court.
Yours Sincerely,
David Corney, (LW FP Warden), and the following members of the Long Wittenham Dog Club: Naomi Arrowsmith, Karl Beacham, Lauren Beacham, Ros Biggs, Chris Bishop, Sarah Bishop, Tom Bowtell, Pru Bowtell, Claire Brown, Chris Buxton, Rob Calcutt, Mary Cole, Sally Duff, Karen Earl, June Eastwood, Rose Gill, Ellie Golding, Sue Kutas, Cherry Neil, Mike Pearson, Julie Pearson, Robert Powell, Laura Powell, Tim Read, Gayle Ready, Tom Richardson, Bee Rodriguez-Bachiller, Neil Scott, Richard Shoebridge, Keith Tucker, Keeley Volpe, Julian Wade, Tina Wade, Gary and Otto Wheelan, Rev. Paul Wignall, Maria Xucla Lerma.
If you wish to reply to this letter, please contact david.r.corney@gmail.com
The playground at Bodkins should be fenced off or dog walkers banned from using the field. There is always dog poo there and quite often you see dogs weeing against the playground equipment.
I now take a bag to clear up before the kids play because most of the time it is needed. But it can’t be pleasant for people using the football pitch. Shame a minority of selfish dog owners ruin it for the responsible majority.