Dog owners who fail to clean up after their four-legged friends are endangering livestock and other pets.
Bannau Brycheiniog National Park Authority are reminding people who exercise their pets in the countryside of the consequences of failing to clear up dog faeces.
Bannau Brycheiniog National Park Authority Delivery Director Steve Gray encourages fellow dog owners who use the countryside to play their part and keep the National Park clean for everyone to enjoy.
He said: “The majority of dog walkers are responsible and do clean up after their pets.
“But there is a minority out there who still don’t and may not realise the harm they can cause to livestock and other dogs.”
Dog faeces carries a number of diseases and parasites which contaminate the land, infecting the animals’ food source. This means that the meat could be condemned and cannot be sold by farmers.
“This is can have a significant impact on a farmer’s livelihood,” added Mr Gray. “As well as the financial implications, there are some extremely unpleasant effects for people. Toxocariasis is probably the most well-known and can permanently damage a person’s vision and in extreme cases cause neurological damage. The eggs can survive on the ground for up to three years, so it is as important to clear up all land to protect livestock for the long term.”
Bannau Brycheiniog National Park Authority are working in partnership with all UK National Parks and the manufacturers of The Dicky Bag to encourage responsible dog owners.
The Dicky Bag has been designed to be carried with you when you walk your pet to store full poo bags, in a hygienic, fresh smelling and durable sealed bag.
Available to buy on the Bannau Brycheiniog National Park Authority online store and at our Visitor Centre and Information Centres.
Mr Gray, discovered The Dicky Bag when he joined
Bannau Brycheiniog National Park Authority as Delivery Director last month.
“No dog owner enjoys carrying dog poo around with them when they are out with their pet,” he said. “When I was given The Dicky Bag to trial I was really impressed. If you pet does their business when you’ve begun walking, it can be very unpleasant carrying it until you find a dog waste bin. Solutions such as this are excellent and can help us as an Authority keep the countryside clean and tidy for all to enjoy.”