Pets: Message to irresponsible dog owners made clear

Grab it, Bag it, Bin it, the slogan for National Poop Scoop Week, urges dog owners to keep public spaces "poop free".

Leading veterinary charity PDSA is backing the campaign -running from July 26 to August 1 - calling for all owners to take responsibility and "pick up" after their pets.

Although the majority of pet owners do clean up after their dogs, a careless few let their pets down - as well as putting people in danger.

"As well as being unpleasant, there are some serious human health issues associated with dog faeces," explains PDSA senior veterinary surgeon Sean Wensley. "For example, Toxocara, a parasitic worm transmitted in dog faeces, can cause blindness in humans."

The dog roundworm, Toxocara canis, lays eggs which are found in dog faeces. Particularly at danger are young children who may come into contact with contaminated soil in gardens and parks. If the eggs are ingested the larva can develop inside the human body, potentially leading to blindness. The eggs can remain infectious for many years in the ground, which is why it is so important to bin it responsibly.

"Cleaning up after your pet, together with a regular worming programme devised with your vet, are the most effective ways of preventing this serious condition," says Sean.

Keep Scotland Beautiful is also involved in the campaign, reminding people that failing to Grab It, Bag It and Bin It is an offence. Environmental wardens and the police have the power to issue offenders with fixed penalty charges of 40, which can go up to 60 if not paid within 28 days.

Along with the potential health implications, dog mess is an unsightly addition to Edinburgh's public spaces and a nuisance for other users of the areas. As one of the most common complaints made to local councillors, MPs and MSPs, it seems everyone is fed up with stepping in the poo.

Council websites and the PDSA offer advice for dog walkers on how to make "picking up the poop" an easier task. Getting into the habit of keeping extra bags in a jacket pocket, or a scoop in a handy place, will stop you forgetting when heading out for a walk.

It has also been suggested that if you have a garden, train your dog to go there before going out for a walk. That way you can clean it up straight away. To save carrying waste home when you are out for a walk, it is a good to have an idea of where dog or litter bins are on your routes.

Pet owners can find out more by downloading a free copy of PDSA's worms' leaflet at www.pdsa.org.uk/leaflets.