Concerns raised about dog fouling

SDLP Councillor for the Moor John Boyle said he has been contacted by many constituents in recent weeks concerned about the levels and occurrences of dog fouling in the Foyle Valley Park and the Foyle Road area.

He said the Council’s Environmental Health Department have carried out a full inspection of the area and the cleansing teams will conduct a clean-up of the area while officers will be patrolling more frequently.

“A review of signage and location of dog waste bins will also be carried out with a view to having more by way of facilities for disposal of dog faeces,” he said, adding: ”Dog owners need to understand the real dangers associated with allowing their animals to defecate without cleaning up after them. Animal faeces carry very many diseases and these are a very real threat to human health.

“This is a filthy and unthoughtful practice. Many families use the area to walk with their children and a child coming into contact with animal faeces runs a very real risk of contracting Toxocariasis.”

The infection is caused by roundworm parasites and humans can catch it by handling infected animal faeces.

Children have been known to become blind after such contact and other health threats are also present after contact with animal faeces.

Colr Boyle concluded: “Once again, I appeal to all dog lovers to clean up after their pets. It is such a simple thing to do.”