Dog Owners' Duty and the Law

Dog Owners' Duty and the Law

It is every dog owner's moral duty, and also their legal one, to clean up after their dog. It is disgusting to see it in the streets and in our parks. Media rumours have put fear into the hearts of the general population regarding the spread of infection by dog faeces that have been left behind and the damage that can be done through the 'Toxocara canis' worm. Although incidence of all Toxocara-induced diseases in the U.K is only 2 cases per million of the population, this still means that around 40 people are needlessly ill each year.

Here are the facts that you should know about 'Toxocara Canis'

• Toxocara Canis is a roundworm which is carried by unwormed dogs. The worm eggs are deposited in the soil from the faeces if left on the ground.
• As the eggs of the Toxocara worm take over two weeks to hatch and become active, there are no health risks to you from immediately clearing up after your dog.
• In tests, only 5% of pet dogs were found to expel Toxocara worm eggs.
• Of this 5%, the majority were puppies between two weeks and six months of age or pregnant bitches.
• The eggs of the Toxocara worm, if deposited in soil, can lie dormant for up to three years, if conditions are right. They are highly resilient to temperature changes and chemical disinfectants have little effect on them.

The Solutions

• If you have a garden, teach your dog to go to the toilet before leaving home, then it can be immediately bagged and put in your dustbin or digested in a sunken 'dog loo'.
• Always carry a bag so you can clear up after your dog. Do not be mistaken into thinking the rain will wash the problem away as some lazy, anti-social people think.
• Respect your local authorities' rules on dog-free areas. Dogs cannot read signs so it is up to you to keep dogs away from children's play areas and sports pitches.
• Keep an eye on the local press for any changes in considering new laws on dog access and also new fees for letting your dog foul in public places.
• Never let your dog out alone 'to go to the loo'. If your dog is caught straying, the dog may be picked up by the dog warden and impounded, with a £50 fine to pay, plus kennel fees. Also if your dog fouls whilst out and is seen by a member of the public or the dog warden, you may receive a fixed penalty notice up to £50 for failing to pick up your dog's foul. These will always be backed by witness statements.
• Get your dog wormed and de-flea'd regularly. Ask your veterinary surgeon for advice on the best products to use and how often you will need them.
• Politely but firmly encourage guilty dog owners to pick up by offering them a bag. If you get rude abuse, walk away and inform the dog warden what times and places this is happening.
• Always wash your hands after a walk and before eating. While Toxocara infections are quite rare, and are more likely to affect children (because of their play habits), remember that adults can become ill too.

It is every dog owner's duty to clear up after their pets. There are no excuses. Fouling is unacceptable and will not be tolerated.

Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2005

An offence is committed if a person in charge of a dog fails to clean up its faeces. It is no defence to claim ignorance of the dog's actions, the law or not to have a device available to remove the faeces. This could result in a prosecution and fine.

Control of Dogs Order 1992

	Grass Verges

This requires that every dog, while in a public place, wears a collar with the name and address of his/her owner inscribed on it or on a disc attached to it. If a collar is not worn when out in a public place, the dog may be seized by the dog warden or the Police and treated as a stray. Also the owner, and any person in charge of the dog permitting it to be in a public place without a collar, will each be guilty of an offence and may be prosecuted and fined.

If your dog does stray, you should immediately contact your local Dog Warden (01789 260839) at the Environmental Protection Team of your Council and the local Police Station. The Environmental Protection Act 1990 allows for your dog to be seized and sold or destroyed if unclaimed after a seven day period.