There's no such thing as a dog poo fairy

Despite the national campaign, there continues to be a problem with dog poo in the village especially on the play areas of the park and the Flacca field. While most dog walkers are responsible and clear up after their pets, a walk across any of the play areas will show that there are still many offenders.

A dog owner was seen yesterday walking with their dog off the lead across the Flacca. He was completely unaware that the dog was fouling a play area because he was not watching his pet. Hopefully owners do not intentionally allow fouling but negligence like this is inexcusable. Ideally pets should not be allowed the freedom of play areas but if they do stray they should be watched continuously and any fouling cleared up. Yesterday, the offender had the mess cleared up for him but this cannot always be the case.

Not only is it disgusting to be playing sports on a fouled pitch it is also a health hazard. Toxacara, a roundworm which lives in dogs' intestines, has been well publicised. Although rare, the parasite can infect humans, especially children. Eggs are passed out in dog faeces, germinate on the ground after 10 to 21 days and, if ingested, can infect liver, lungs, eyes or brain. The problem can be entirely prevented by clearing up immediately and regularly de-worming (cats as well). The advice applies to those with pets and lawns at home as well as to public places.

There are other potential hazards of pet fouling in open countryside and pasture land. Hydatid disease of sheep is spread by dog faeces contaminating pasture. This is now a very rare disease in the UK and long may it remain so because it is particularly unpleasant if humans become infected. Neospora, a tiny single cell organism, is spreading in the UK. Infection causes abortion in cattle and can be spread by dogs.

There is a dog poo fairy in Tattenhall, she has been seen walking Millie. She knows who she is but she shouldn't need to clear up for others.