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CONSIDERATE and selfish dog owners beware – a new crackdown has been launched against those who let their four-legged friends to foul in public and don’t pick it up.
Over the last 11 months, a staggering 34 tonnes of dog mess has been collected by Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s Streetcare staff.
The majority of that mess was collected from the dog waste bins installed in communities across the county borough.
But far too much of it was scooped up from streets, pavements, open spaces, town centres and even parks, which is disgusting, dangerous and illegal.
Dog fouling in Rhondda Cynon Taf is seen as a major problem, and the council is launching a new campaign in a bid to stamp out this revolting issue.
The new campaign uses posters, adverts and radio campaigns featuring green hero Rhys Cycle and Dr Clean. The pair follow a dog fouling incident into the future to see just how harmful dog waste can be to the local community.
Dog waste is not only unsightly and messy, it can have serious health implications for children and adults alike, including toxocariasis. Toxocariasis is an infection of the roundworm toxocara canis. The parasites eggs can be found in soil or sand contaminated with faeces and if swallowed, result in infection that lasts between six and 24 months - or sometimes a lifetime.
Symptoms include eye disorders, blindness, aches, dizziness, nausea, asthma and epileptic fits.
Failure to clean up after your dog could result in a hefty fine of at least £75, a criminal record or even worse you could endanger the life of others.
The council’s Streetcare Enforcement and Awareness Officers regularly patrol the streets looking for eco-offenders and have heard various feeble excuses for allowing pets to foul in public.
Under the dog fouling act of 1996, owners have to be in control of their pets and remove any mess left in the open air – whether it’s in a playing field, a pavement or a neighbour’s garden.
The council’s deputy leader, Coun Anthony Christopher, said: “We are very fortunate to have such a proactive and enthusiastic Streetcare Team who remain committed to using innovative schemes and initiatives to combat these blights on our towns and villages.”
The council provides specific bins near dog walking routes. If there is no bin on your route it is your responsibility to take it home with you for disposal.