Action on pact priority at Ynysawdre

PCSO Richard Hopkins has been working closely with BCBC Enforcement Officer Marshall Greer to improve awareness and highlight the impact dog fouling has on the community.

“There can be little doubt that fouling of pavements and public places by dogs is something which - quite rightly - annoys the large majority of the public. If offenders could be taught to change their ways the case against the dog would largely disappear. But, of course, it is not just the fouling itself but the fear of disease which may be passed to humans, particularly children, that worries people most.

“Toxocariasis is caused by the roundworm toxocara canis, present in dogs. Humans can become infected by swallowing toxocara eggs which are found in dog faeces. After hatching, the larvae wander through the human body causing a variety of symptoms including damage to the eye. The life cycle is not completed in people and never results in worms.

“You can only get the disease by ingesting, or swallowing eggs from faeces. Freshly deposited faeces pose no threat as the eggs only become infective after about three weeks. If the mess is cleared immediately there is no danger.

“Children, especially toddlers, crawl on grass in gardens and parks. They may pick up the toxocara canis eggs on their hands and then put fingers in their mouths. With proper measures such as cleaning up after dogs in these areas and keeping children’s sandpits covered when not in use, the risk would be even less.

“It is important that children should be taught to wash their hands regularly after playing with animals and always before eating.”

“If anyone from Ynysawdre has a concern and is unable to make it to our PACT meetings, they can contact me through the OurBobby.com website or just stop me when they see me on patrol in the neighbourhood.

“We take your worries and concerns very seriously and will do what we can to tackle them.”