PAWS

PAWS is an ongoing campaign focused on all aspects of dog ownership.

It encourages dog owners to be responsible by:

• Pledge – to always pick up your dogs poo
• Active for life - join our dog walking health group
• Welfare and responsible dog ownership - looking after you and your dog
• Sign up - and support PAWS!

Why is it so important to clean up after your dog?

It is an offence to not pick up dog mess in the district with penalties of up to £1000. As well as incurring a fine, dog mess is an eyesore and a health hazard. It can lead to toxocariasis in humans, which can cause serious illness and even blindness.

Toxocariasis is caused by a parasite living in a dog’s digestive system. The parasites lay eggs which are released in the infected dog’s faeces. Children are much more susceptible to toxocariasis as they are more likely to be playing near to the ground and putting things near their mouths.