The age-old nuisance of dog fouling around the village has been raised with the parish council by residents angry at irresponsible dog owners for not cleaning up after their pets.
Dog waste poses a significant health risk to humans, particularly young children, as their immune systems are not fully developed.
Children are also more likely to come into contact with soil or sand that contains dog waste whilst playing in parks, gardens and playgrounds.
All waste contains bacteria that can cause stomach upsets, but the greatest risk is from Toxocariasis, which can pass from dog waste to humans through contaminated soil or sand. Children are at particular risk. It is rare, but it can sometimes cause serious health problems and even blindness.
Would you really want that on your conscience?
It is an offence to allow a dog under your control to foul a public place, and Swale Borough Council has the power to fine dog owners who do not clean up after their dogs.
You can receive an on-the-spot fine (FPN) of up to £100 if you do not clean up after your dog.
If you refuse to pay the fine, you could be taken to court and fined up to £1000.
You can report dog fouling to Swale Borough Council at: https://bit.ly/2VA0csW
There really is no excuse for not cleaning up after your dog.
The parish council has provided litter & dog waste bins at locations around the village where owners can dispose of bagged dog waste, as well as TiksPac dispensers at the Recreation Ground and near the Paddock in Chaffes Lane.
Please bag your dog waste and put it in any public litter bin or take it home to your household green wheelie bin.
Allowing your dog to foul in a public place and not clean it up is antisocial and totally unacceptable to all residents.
Please leave our village spaces clean, tidy and safe for others to enjoy.
Thank you
Upchurch Matters
