The following message was posted on the village email system by Mrs C Senior.
Please please would dog owners/walkers who use the public footpath across our field please pick up after your dogs, including if you, or they, accidentally stray off the footpath. We know that the vast majority of walkers do but there are those that don’t. We have a number of young trees in the field that need tending to and it’s very unpleasant to come across the ones that are left behind!
I fully agree, with the sentiment, as we notice dog mess in the village when out exercising our dog:
Why Dog Mess Is Dangerous (Quick Summary)
Dog faeces carries harmful bacteria, parasites, and pollutants that can infect humans (especially children), contaminate soil and waterways, kill wildlife, and spread diseases such as Toxocariasis, Salmonella, E. coli, and Campylobacter. These pathogens can survive in the environment for years, even after the mess has disappeared.
1. Human Health Risks
Dog faeces contains millions of harmful microorganisms.
Major diseases linked to dog mess
| Disease | Cause | Risk |
|---|---|---|
| Toxocariasis (Toxocara canis) | Roundworm eggs in dog faeces | Can cause stomach illness, asthma‑like symptoms, organ damage, and rare cases of blindness. Eggs survive in soil for years. |
| Salmonella | Bacteria in dog faeces | Diarrhoea, fever, vomiting; dangerous for children & immunocompromised people. |
| E. coli | Intestinal bacteria | Can be life‑threatening if it enters the bloodstream. |
| Campylobacteriosis | Bacterial infection | Can spread to bloodstream in vulnerable people. |
| Giardia & Cryptosporidium | Protozoan parasites | Severe diarrhoea and dehydration. |
Why children are most at risk
- Play close to the ground
- Touch soil, grass, toys
- Put hands in mouths
- Roundworm eggs can remain infectious for years in parks and play areas
2. Environmental Damage
Dog mess is not a natural fertiliser — it’s a pollutant.
Key environmental impacts
- Water pollution: Rain washes faeces into rivers and drains, spreading bacteria and parasites.
- The EPA classifies dog waste as a non‑point source pollutant, same category as oil and toxic chemicals.
- Algal blooms: High nitrogen and phosphorus cause harmful algae growth, killing fish and aquatic life.
- Soil contamination: Pathogens persist long after the faeces has broken down.
- Wildlife infection: Parasites and bacteria spread to wild animals, disrupting ecosystems.
3. Risks to Other Dogs & Pets
Dog mess spreads:
- Parvovirus
- Worms (roundworm, hookworm, whipworm)
- Giardia
- Antibiotic‑resistant bacteria (MRSA, VRE)
These can be picked up by sniffing or walking through contaminated areas.
4. Attracts Pests & Vermin
Dog mess attracts:
- Flies (which spread bacteria to food and surfaces)
- Rats and mice
This increases disease transmission in gardens, parks, and public spaces.
5. Legal Consequences (UK)
Local councils can issue:
- £100 on‑the‑spot fines
- Up to £1,000 court penalties for failing to pick up dog mess
Many councils run enforcement campaigns and public‑awareness programmes.
6. How to Reduce the Danger
- Always bag and bin dog mess — even in rural areas (Forestry England now advises this).
- Worm dogs at least every 6 months.
- Keep children away from contaminated soil.
- Double‑bag if no dog bin is available.
- Never compost dog waste for food crops.
