Dog-foulers put play area off limits

Date published: 02 March 2010

For more than 80 years children have enjoyed playing on a grassed area at the junction of Nicholson Square and Underwood Street, Dukinfield. But not any more.

The lawn is covered with dog faeces to the extent that Tameside Council no longer allows its district assemblies staff to cut the grass. According to ward councillor John Taylor, all the machinery would do is create a gigantic muck spreader.

Tired of the irresponsibility of some pet-owners, and facing a barrage of complaints from concerned parents, Cllr Taylor has issued a plea for information about the offenders.

He said: “There must be 50-plus foulings on that patch of grass but three or four properties look out directly on to it so somebody must know who’s responsible and when they are going there. They’ve got to tell us so that we can catch those people and take action.

“Although we make jokes about dog dirt it really is no laughing matter. Never mind the mess it causes if you step in it, people have got to understand the dangers. Children are most at risk. They could contract toxocariasis which can cause blindness, epilepsy and asthma.

“Toxocara eggs can remain viable for up to two years. It can take weeks or months after swallowing these eggs for symptoms to develop and they may last for a year. Blindness resulting from toxocariasis affects around 100 people a year and may develop four to 10 years after the initial infection.

“If you know of someone who is allowing their animal to foul public areas please contact your local councillor or the patrollers (342 2525). All information will be treated in the strictest confidence.”

Since 2007, the number of £60 fixed penalties issued for dog-fouling has almost trebled from 27 to 66. People who fail to pay are taken to court where the amount can treble and costs and surcharges are incurred.

Some dog-owners remove the faeces but then discard the bag rather than take it home to out in their black bin. This changes the offence to one of littering, which carries heavier penalties.