Apologies to all that do, but, could pet owners please ensure that they clean up after their pets.

Thoughtless dog owners could be spreading the potentially fatal Parvovirus around Stonehaugh by not cleaning up after their pets. This virus is very dangerous to other dogs.

Some further attention should be focused on other health hazards involving dogs. The estimated population in the UK is about six million. This produces approximately 1000 tons of faeces a day. Over 350,000 tons of dog excrement is deposited each year in children’s playgrounds. This unpleasant material very often contains a parasitic roundworm, Toxocara Canis, which can cause blindness in humans. Over 100 people each year are known to catch a disease resulting from this problem, and many of these victims are children. This is a particularly hazardous threat when very young children are on their hands and knees. Young children often put their hands in their mouths after exploring everything with their fingers, and of course, do not wash them. Even some adults can be neglectful in this way.Another unpleasant organism which can be found in dog faeces and, in fact, all animals including humans, is Cryptosporidium Parvum. Cryptosporidiosis can be easily cured but can be very dangerous if left untreated. Cats are the most popular pets in this country, more so than dogs, but can still create problems, such as Toxoplasmosis. This condition is caused by a single-celled protozoa called Toxoplasma Gondii, again found in the faeces. As long as normal, healthy procedures are maintained with a sensible attitude towards hygiene this condition should never occur, but people should be aware of these dangers where children are concerned.

So PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE clean up after your pets…..