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Animal fouling

Each day dogs produce vast amounts of excrement. Much of this is left on footpaths and playing fields and at best can cover shoes and clothes and at worst can lead to blindness due to an infection caused by the parasitic worm 'Toxocara canis'.

It is possible for councils to designate land under The Dogs (Fouling of Land) Act 1996. The designated land includes roads, footpaths, school playing fields, sports fields and parks. It is an offence for a dog owner not to clean up after their dog in these areas. Failure to comply can result in a prosecution and fine up to £1000. It is no defence to claim ignorance of the dog's actions.

Solutions to animal fouling

• If you have a garden encourage the dog to go there as you can then bury the mess or alternatively clean it up and bin it
• If you walk your dog, always carry the means to clear up after your dog. A simple plastic bag will do the trick or obtain poop scoops from a local pet shop. Remember to take a bag or poop scoop just like you'd remember a lead.
• Every time your dog fouls bag it and bin it. Take the poop scoop home and dispose of it there or use one of the special dog fouling bins. Remember, rain does not wash the problem away.
• Never let your dog out alone to go to the loo.

It is every dog owners duty to clean up after their dog and there are no excuses, fouling is unacceptable.

Contact with canine excrement can lead to blindness due to an infection caused by the parasitic worm 'Toxocara canis'.

To report instances of dog mess, contact the City Helpdesk on 023 9283 4092 or by email at cityhelpdesk@portsmouthcc.gov.uk.