a guide to improving your local environment - Keep Britain Tidy

www.encams.org
What can individuals do
If individuals wish to take action against a dog owner who
has not cleaned up after their dog they should note the
details of the offence as soon as possible. Details should
include the name and address of the person in charge of
the dog, a description of the dog, and details of the date,
time and place. They should then contact their local
authority and ask for details of its dog control
procedures. It is important to describe clearly the place
being fouled to find out what regulations cover that area.
DOG FOULING
What are the health risks associated with
dog fouling
Dog faeces carry harmful infections, the most widely
known being toxocariasis. Human toxocariasis is
potentially a serious infection which can come from
having contact with dog faeces that are carrying the
parasite. The parasite can only infect humans if
swallowed. Once swallowed the infection can last
between six and 24 months. Frequently the means of
infection is from the hands, but it can also be from
contact with the dogs themselves or through inanimate
objects such as wheels of toys, soles of shoes, etc.
Many infected soil samples are found in children’s play
areas and in the streets, and as a result of this,
toxocariasis is mainly found in children between 18
months and five years. Eye disorders are the most
commonly reported complaint associated with
toxocariasis, while other symptoms are vague aches,
dizziness, nausea, asthma and epileptic fits.
How can these health risks be avoided
Toxocara eggs are not infectious until they mature, which
usually takes at least 2–3 weeks after they have been
deposited by a dog. Dog faeces will only contaminate the
soil when it has been left on the ground for this period of
time, so if owners immediately cleaned up
after their dog the threat of toxocariasis would be
virtually eradicated.
22