Clarke Calls For Dog Owners To Clean Up

South Down MLA Councillor Willie Clarke has spoken out after a number of people across the district raised concerns about the large amount of dog dirt to be found in footpaths and roads across the district.He said, “Dog fouling is both unsightly, unpleasant and a potential health hazard as canines commonly carry a parasitic round worm called Toxicara whose eggs are passed out with the faeces in to the soil. These eggs can last in the ground for up to two years,xa0 and the most common form of Toxicariasis is the covert type which has mild symptoms and can infect people with a fever, cough, wheezing, headache and difficulty sleeping.” “It is widely accepted that most parks and urban open green spaces in Ireland are infected with the Toxicara worm in various stages of development and that up to 40% of the population may have been infected at some time without realising it. “Most dog owners are responsible and clean-up after their dogs but those who don’t are having a negative impact on the standard of our public areas and placing people at risk.xa0 For example, in Newcastle’s new promenade the enjoyment of people using this amenity is often ruined because of this issue.xa0xa0 I would therefore urge all dog owners to comply with the law and be responsible for clearing up after their pet.xa0xa0There really is no excuse not to bag and bin dog dirt as Down Council provides dedicated bins in public areas where waste can be properly disposed off.”]]>