West Lothian Council delivers

Dog Warden Service - dog fouling

 

DOG FOULING

The problem of dog fouling is not only a nuisance but also a potential danger and health hazard.  On 22nd October 2003 the Dog Fouling (Scotland) Act came into force. West Lothian Council advises all dog owners that it is an offence for any person who is in charge of a dog not to immediately remove, and dispose of appropriately, any excrement, if the animal defecates in any public place without reasonable excuse or the consent of the landowner. This includes pavements, footpaths, roads, parks, recreational pitches, cycleways, communal land, back greens, stairs, closes, and any open land that the public has access to. Excrement should be picked up and disposed of in a responsible manner by either depositing it in the nearest dog waste bin, litter bin or in your domestic waste at home. Offenders may be liable to receive a Fixed Penalty of £40, rising to £60 if not paid within 28 days. Authorised Officers of West Lothian Council and Police Officers will issue these Penalties. Offenders can also be reported to the Procurator Fiscal and may be fined up to £500 if convicted. It will also be a criminal offence not to provide your name and address if you are suspected as having committed an offence. Not doing so may result in a £500 fine or conviction.  We recognise that the majority of dog owners already clean up after their dogs. It is the aim of the law to empower local authorities to deal with the antisocial behaviour of the minority of dog owners who do not.

What can I do about dogs fouling in my street?

If you know the address of the dog owners allowing their dogs to foul without clearing up after them, call the Dog Warden on 01506 282500 to report them. The owners of these dogs will be visited with appropriate action being taken against them, where it can be proved. If you do not know the details of the dog owner, you can give us a description and an idea of times the dog is walked. We can then target the area at these times which will give us a better chance of catching offenders. This information will be shared with the Environmental Wardens. The Dog Warden and Environmental Wardens can also patrol the area to watch for people allowing their dogs to foul and issue fixed penalty notices as necessary.  Where dog mess needs cleaned up, you want to request a dog bin or have an existing one emptied, please contact NETS and Land Services on 01506 280000. 

What can I use to clean up my dog's foul?

You can buy poop scoop bags from most pet shops however old carrier bags are also as effective and are free.

As a responsible dog owner, you can prevent the problem of dog fouling in public places by considering the following points.
        

• If you have a garden, teach your dog to "go" there before you leave your home
• Always carry the poop scoop bags or a carrier bag to clean up after your dog
• Never let your dog out alone

TOXOCARIASIS

What is toxocariasis?

Toxocariasis is a zoonotic (animal to human) infection caused by the parasitic roundworms commonly found in the intestine of dogs (Toxocariasis canis).

What are the symptoms of toxocariasis?

There are two major forms of toxocariasis:

1. Ocular larva migrans (OLM):  Toxocariasis infections can cause OLM, an eye disease that can cause blindness. OLM occurs when a microscopic worm enters the eye; it may cause inflammation and formation of a scar on the retina. Toxocariasis can cause permanent or partial loss of vision.

2. Visceral larva migrans (VLM):  Heavier, or repeated Toxocariasis infections, while rare, can cause VLM, a disease that causes swelling of the body's organs or central nervous system. Symptoms of VLM, which are caused by the movement of the worms through the body, include fever, coughing, asthma, or pneumonia.

How serious is infection with Toxocariasis?
In most cases, Toxocariasis infections are not serious, and many people, especially adults infected by a small number of larvae (immature worms), may not notice any symptoms. The most severe cases are rare, but are more likely to occur in young children, who often play in dirt, or eat dirt (pica) contaminated by dog or cat stool.

How is toxocariasis spread?

The most common Toxocariasis parasite of concern to humans is T. canis, which puppies usually contract from the mother before birth or from her milk. The larvae mature rapidly in the puppy?s intestines; when the pup is 3 or 4 weeks old, they begin to produce large numbers of eggs that contaminate the environment through the animal's stool. The eggs soon develop into infective larvae.

How can I get toxocariasis?

You or your children can become infected after accidentally ingesting (swallowing) infective Toxocariasis eggs in soil or other contaminated surfaces.

What should I do if I think I have toxocariasis?

Seek advice from your doctor.

What is the treatment for toxocariasis?

VLM is treated with antiparasitic drugs, usually in combination with anti-inflammatory medications. Treatment of OLM is more difficult and usually consists of measures to prevent progressive damage to the eye.

How can you prevent toxocariasis?

• Treat your dogs and cats, especially young animals, regularly for worms.
• Wash your hands well with soap and water after playing with your pets and after outdoor activities, especially before you eat.  Teach children to always wash their hands after playing with dogs and cats and after playing outdoors.
• Do not allow children to play in areas that are soiled with pet or other animal stool.
• Clean your pet's living area daily to prevent build up of faeces.

How often should I worm my dog/puppy?

It is important to worm pregnant or nursing bitches and especially young puppies, which are more likely to be handled by young children. Adult dogs should be wormed every three months to prevent infection. Puppies should be wormed from the age of two weeks, every two weeks, until the age of 12 weeks.

Updated 01/12/11