Householders asked to take care when disposing of dog mess

HOUSEHOLDERS across Carmarthenshire are being asked to dispose of their dog mess carefully.

Concerns have been raised for the health and safety of the council’s refuse/recycling crews in relation to dog faeces in black bags. It follows a number of incidents when loading black bags into refuse vehicles.

There are fears it could lead to serious health implications as dog faeces can be extremely dangerous. All faeces contains bacteria that can cause stomach upsets if ingested, however, the greatest risk from dog faeces is toxocariasis which can cause epilepsy, asthma and even blindness.

Householders are now being urged to take care when disposing of their dog mess. If out walking, please use the number of litter bins dotted throughout the county and remember to double-bag.

If at home, you can then either bury the mess or flush it down the toilet. You can also buy specially designed ‘doggy loos’. It works just like a bin, half buried in your garden – except that you never need to empty it, as natural processes then break the contents down and disperse them harmlessly into the soil. Dog loos are available from most local pet stores.

If you do have to dispose of dog mess in your black bag – make sure it is double-wrapped and mixed in with other types of waste. Large amounts of of faeces in black bags will be left behind.

Principal waste officer Hywel Thomas said: “We have had a number of incidents with dog mess recently when loading black bags into our refuse vehicles.

“Not only is it extremely unpleasant for our operatives, but it is a serious health risk. We are asking householders to please co-operate and dispose of their dog faeces carefully.”

Businesses such as kennels should contact an appropriate waste disposal company to collect their waste as part of the duty of care legislation. Under the Environmental Protection Act 1990 large amounts of faeces would be classified as clinical waste.

Residents are also being reminded that if they fail to clean up after their pet in a public place they can be issued with a fixed penalty notice of £75. Failure to pay could lead to prosecution in the magistrates court where the maximum penalty that can be imposed is £1,000.

Executive board member for the environment Councillor Philip Hughes said: “This is a very serious issue. I hope residents take notice and deal carefully with this type of waste.”