A Wales-wide day of action to prevent dog fouling and littering has resulted in 11 fixed penalty notices being issued across Cardiff.
Cardiff Council enforcement teams participated in the action day organised by Keep Wales Tidy that engaged dog owners, raising awareness of the hazards of dog fouling as well as enforcing the law when necessary
Research undertaken on behalf of Keep Wales Tidy has shown that dog fouling is a big problem in Wales. It is found on 10% of streets* and can be taken into houses and schools on an individual’s shoes and is a health concern, because toxocariasis (which may lead to blindness) can be contracted from ingesting eggs which develop in dog faeces.
Many people do not realise that they can put bagged dog mess in any litter bin, not just the dog fouling bins. Keep Wales Tidy is carrying out further research into the reasons for dog owners’ actions, the results of which will be published in the near future.
Cabinet Member for Environment, Cllr Ashley Govier said, “We were delighted to work with Keep Wales Tidy on this excellent initiative as this administration is prioritising litter issues such as dog fouling as they cause such a hazard to residents in the city.
“The new administration is developing a strong zero tolerance environmental quality enforcement for littering, fly-tipping, graffiti as well as dog fouling. We are placing a high focus on tailored education of the public and partnerships to raise awareness of littering offences. We will name and shame offenders; and enable the public to report incidents.
“It is a mystery to me why a small minority of people don’t regard dog fouling as litter and routinely leave this mess on our streets and parks.
This is unacceptable and anti-social behaviour and if people don’t get the message on this serious issue then we won’t hesitate to enforce and issue fines. Therefore, we urge all dog owners to do the right thing by bagging it and binning it and help us keep our beautiful city clean.”
