During public time at the Parish Council meeting in October, concerned residents raised the problems and hazards being caused by dog fouling around the village and in particular the amount of mess being left in The Paddock.
The Paddock and Recreation Ground are both leased by Upchurch Parish Council and are therefore the responsibility of the Parish Council, not Swale Borough Council.
It is an offence not to clean up after your dog
You can be given an on-the-spot fine (FPN) of £80 if you do not clean up after your dog.
If you refuse to pay the fine, you can be taken to court and fined up to £1,000.
Registered blind dog owners can’t be fined.
Dog mess is a health hazard!
Apart from being an unpleasant nuisance if you step in it, fall in it, cycle through it, or wheel your wheelchair through it, dog mess can also be a health hazard.
Both dog and cat faeces can contain the eggs of the roundworm 'Toxocara'. These eggs can survive in the soil for several years. If they are ingested or inhaled by humans, they may cause eye, liver, brain and respiratory problems such as asthma, hepatitis and epilepsy.
Children playing in fouled recreation areas are most at risk. Dog waste is also a potential health risk to farmers' livestock if you allow your dog to foul in their fields.
Do you really want any of these consequences on your conscience?
Please bag your dog waste and put it in any public litter bin or take it home to your household green bin
If you see anyone not cleaning up after their dog, please report it to either PCSO John Cork, the Clerk or the Village Caretaker who is regularly in the area and works tirelessly to keep it clean and tidy for everybody to use.
Thank you for your support.
Upchurch Parish CouncilTelephone: 01634 363906Email: clerkupc@outlook.com
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