Shropshire playing fields dog mess action urged

Natasha Kelly said she no longer takes her dogs to Buntingsdale recreational ground in Market Drayton because of dog fouling.

She added: "I no longer take my dogs on there because of the mess left lately."

Dog mess can be a health hazard for children who come into contact with it on playing fields.

It can cause a condition called toxocariasis, which in extreme cases can cause blindness. It is caused by a roundworm parasite that live in dogs' digestive systems. Eggs are released in the faeces of infected animals and contaminated soil. If someone ingests infected material, the eggs may hatch into larvae and can lead to toxocariasis.

Parents have taken to social media to speak of their concerns about the Buntingsdale recreational ground.

Resident Karen Love, posted on the town's community Facebook page, saying: "We regularly walk our dog on Buntingsdale recreation ground.

"Most dog walkers there are really good at picking up their dog mess.

"However the last couple of days more and more dog mess is being left.

"I think part of the problem is that early dog walkers who walk their dogs in the dark can't see the mess or think they can get away without picking it up as they can't be seen.

"I wonder if they realise that by picking it up and disposing of it in either of the two bins supplied, they prevent disease and parasites being spread. Children and families use the ground all the time.

"It is horrid to step in and children should be able to play safely.

"I wish we could have a concerted effort to spread the word about being conscientious dog owners so we can all enjoy Market Drayton and its surroundings."

And Charlotte Massey posted: "I take my puppy and young child to play on there and I am fed up with my son standing in dog mess.

"It is a play area for the children, not for people to leave dog mess.

"I always clean up after my dog and as a parent I am fed up with cleaning dog mess off my son's shoes and hands. There are plenty of bins on there."

Helen and Ian Watson added: "Obviously they don't love their dog if they can't be bothered to clean up after it.

"If you see them not cleaning up, you can report them to the dog warden."

Kate Harvey, assistant town clerk at Market Drayton Town Council, said: "We have spoken to the person in charge of the Buntingsdale this morning and he said there was no evidence of dog mess at the park today.

"It is something we monitor on a daily basis."

Dog owners are required by law to clean up after their dog; failure to do so can result in a fixed penalty notice being issued or possible prosecution. To report an incident in Shropshire, call 0345 678 9006.