MedicAnimal’s Chief Veterinary Officer Andrew Bucher is reiterating calls for owners to clean up after their dogs. Launching today, ‘The Big Scoop’ led by The Dogs Trust and Keep Britain Tidy is urging Britain’s dog owners to ‘bag it, bin it’. Research shows Britain’s eight-million strong dog population, produce 1,000 tonnes of poo each day, costing councils in England and Wales £22 million per year to clean up. According to figures from Keep Britain Tidy, 96% of Britons say they’ve had the misfortunate experience of stepping in dog mess.
Andrew Bucher, Chief Veterinary Officer at MedicAnimal, the UK’s leading pet healthcare retailer says:
“It’s disgusting, it’s inconvenient and it riles every person and responsible dog owner out there. It’s also a significant health hazard too. There are plenty of nasty bacteria such as E. Coli and fecal coliform which can lead to serious kidney disorders and intestinal illnesses. It can also be full of parasites such as tapeworms, ringworms and Salmonella.
“Parents can’t always keep an eye on what their kids are up to, especially in sandpits, nature trails or local parks. Children can be at risk of getting toxocara canis infections by eating eggs in the faeces, which left untreated can lead to severe health issues including blindness.
“Dogs can also become coprophagic, which is a polite way of saying they eat their own poo. It’s relatively common and is often down to the dog not being fed properly. Again, left untreated, it can lead to digestive issues for dogs.”
Owners caught failing to clean up their dog’s mess can be given an on-the-spot fine between £50 and £80. Those refusing to pay can be taken to court and fined up to £1,000.
