We kindly ask all visitors to clean up after their dogs while enjoying our beautiful village of Stubton. Dog waste is unpleasant for others, harmful to the environment, and creates unnecessary work for the volunteers who help keep Stubton looking its best.
Two bins are provided in the village for this purpose. If a bin is full, please take waste home for proper disposal.
Thank you for helping us protect the cleanliness and charm of Stubton for everyone who lives here and everyone who visits.
How Dog Mess Can Affect People if Contaminated
Dog waste can contain a mix of harmful organisms that survive in soil, grass, and on shoes for weeks or even months. When left uncollected, these pathogens can spread through direct contact, contaminated soil, or rainwater runoff.
Key Health Risks
- Roundworms (Toxocara canis) — Eggs in dog mess can become infectious after a few weeks. If swallowed, they can hatch and migrate through the body, potentially affecting the liver, lungs, or eyes. In rare cases, this can lead to vision loss.
- Hookworms — Larvae can penetrate human skin from contaminated soil, causing itchy, red rashes known as cutaneous larva migrans.
- Giardia & Cryptosporidium — These protozoan parasites can cause severe diarrhoea, stomach cramps, fever, and dehydration, particularly in vulnerable individuals.
- Bacterial infections (E. coli, Salmonella, Campylobacter) — These bacteria can lead to vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, and fever. Some strains of E. coli can cause more serious complications such as kidney issues.
- Antibiotic‑resistant bacteria — Studies have found dog faeces can contain multi‑drug‑resistant bacteria, including MRSA and resistant Enterococci, which pose additional public‑health risks.
How People Become Exposed
- Contaminated soil or grass — Children are especially at risk due to hand‑to‑mouth behaviour while playing.
- On shoes, prams, or bike tyres — Pathogens can be carried into homes or cars.
- Handling waste without proper hygiene — Even accidental contact can lead to infection if hands aren’t washed.
- Contaminated water — Rain can wash dog mess into drains, streams, or ponds, spreading pathogens further.
Why This Matters for Stubton
In a village environment like Stubton, where children play outdoors, residents walk regularly, and we take pride in our shared green spaces, uncollected dog mess increases the risk of contamination in areas people use every day. Keeping Stubton clean isn’t just about appearance — it’s about protecting the health of everyone who lives here.
