Dog fouling reports increase in North Wales during coronavirus pandemic

A council has urged dog owners to clean up after their pets following an increase in reports of fouling along popular routes.

Many are using their daily exercise quota to take their animals for a much-needed walk,  and this has led to an increase in reports to Gwynedd council that owners are not cleaning up after their dogs.

But the council’s warning follows earlier concerns raised by neighbouring Anglesey council that dogs were being let off their leads and jumping on members of the public, meaning that owners were breaking the social distancing guidelines to retrieve their dogs.

“We must stress the need for responsible dog ownership, especially during the Coronavirus pandemic, and ask owners to keep their dogs under control at all times whilst out in public places,” said an Anglesey council spokesperson.

“We would urge that all dog owners walk their dogs on leads, to maintain full control of their dogs whilst out in public places.

“You will then be able to keep the two-metre social distancing to protect yourselves, your dogs and other members of the public.

“The LEAD initiative requires dogs to be kept under control, so that their behaviour is not anti-social. Where legislation permits, the police will intervene under the LEAD scheme.”

On the dog fouling issues being reported in Gwynedd, Cllr Catrin Wager, the highways and municipal cabinet member, pointed out that many dogs are infected with parasites which can be harmful to people, especially children.

Toxocariasis is a disease caused when the eggs of toxocara worms are transferred from dogs to people through infected dog mess or soil. Infection can lead to serious illness and even blindness.

She added, “We are living through a very difficult time, and going outside for a walk with the dog will be of great comforts for many owners.

“As a dog owner myself, I know how much joy a dog can bring to a household.

“Dogs are valuable members of the family, and contribute towards the well-being of their owners.

“But with that comes responsibility, and while the majority of people do their best to keep the streets clean through the Coronavirus crisis, some irresponsible owners are causing distress.

“Our Street Enforcement Team specifically received complaints about some of our public footpaths and ‘lonydd glas’ recreational routes.

“We ask owners to be sensible. There’s no excuse not to clean up after your dog, especially now that we only can go out once a day to exercise.

“So we ask owners to make sure that they act responsibly.

“There are many dog waste bins available near public footpaths and it’s possible to dispose of dog waste bags in other public bins.”

By Gareth Williams – Local Democracy Reporter