Residents in a Galloway village want to see strong action taken to stop problem dog fouling at a kids’ play area.
This comes after a recent spate of dog fouling at the play park next to Drummore Primary School, and other incidents elsewhere in Drummore.
Complaints were recently made to ward councillor Willie Scobie, who discussed the issue with members of Kirkmaiden Community Council last week.
Councillor Scobie said: “I was approached by a number of residents who are asking that dogs are not permitted into the play park.
“That was expanded by the community council to say that dog fouling is also a problem in other areas of the village.
“Dog fouling is a huge issue throughout the whole region.
“You go to any village and it’s one of the first things that comes up when you’re meeting with any community group.
“It is down to irresponsible dog owners. It’s always a minority though, the majority of dog owners are responsible.”
Councillor Scobie said that more investigation would need to be done on whether it’s possible to ban dogs from play areas with the use of byelaws.
He added: “To set byelaws you need the support of the community. It would need to go to the community to see if this is something that’s a major issue – and would they welcome supportive legislation to cover it.
“The difficulty then is the enforcement.”
The dog fouling issue was a hot topic at this month’s Kirkmaiden Community Council meeting, which was held online last week.
Martin Donaldson, chairman of Kirkmaiden Community Council, said: “The play park is in the middle of Drummore, next to the school, so we have school kids using it too.
“Dog fouling is a health and safety issue for kids and so it’s important this is sorted out.”
Dog faeces are a health risk because it may cause exposure to roundworm eggs, which become infectious after about three weeks, and can remain so for up to two years.
Possible symptoms of toxocaral infection range from aches, dizziness and nausea to asthma and pneumonia.
In very rare cases eye disease and loss of vision can be caused when the toxocara larva passes through the eye.
It is an offence to allow a dog, which you are responsible for, to foul in a public place and not clear it up immediately.
Dumfries and Galloway Council warns that its community safety team are authorised to issue an £80 fixed penalty for dog fouling offences.
The council website states: “Dog mess is unpleasant and can have significant health risks.
“We provide dog waste bins in many areas and encourage dog owners to use these or other waste bins.
“A limited number of free disposal bags are available from customer service centres.”
