New survey reveals that 71% encounter dog faeces daily in public places

The Irish Blue Cross is urging pet owners to pick up and dispose of their dogs’ poo after their recent survey revealed 83% of respondents have come into unwanted contact with dog faeces in the last 12 months.

The veterinary charity surveyed 769 people and found 95% think dog fouling is an issue in their local area, 63% believe the problem has worsened in the last year, and 7 in 10 people are encountering dog poo daily, in public places.

Dog faeces can carry harmful pathogens such as E coli, Roundworm, Hookworm and Giardia which can adversely affect people and pets, and Parvovirus which can be fatal to dogs.

If left on the ground, other dogs can sniff or ingest contaminated areas and become infected.

Dr Laura Mock, Head of Veterinary Services at The Irish Blue Cross, explained: “Some parasites in dog waste can infect humans, especially children and can affect their eyes and organs.

“Bacteria like E. coli and Salmonella can also be present, especially in dogs who are fed raw meat diets, so picking up dog waste immediately, reduces the chance of accidental contact or contamination.

Picking up your dog’s poo has benefits for you and your dog too, as it gives you a chance to notice any changes and catch early signs of illness, potentially lowering veterinary costs.

Regular removal also keeps parks and walking routes safer and more hygienic, encouraging healthy outdoor activity without exposure to harmful microbes.

We also recommend that pets are regularly wormed as dogs can infect themselves by sniffing or stepping in contaminated faeces and later licking their paws.”

Corina Fitzsimons, PR & Communications Executive at The Irish Blue Cross, added: “One survey respondent stated her granddaughter picked up dog poo thinking it was chalk while another leaves their buggy in the front garden, due to the amount of times poo gets on the wheels.

“Almost half of the survey respondents are dog owners, who are just as upset about the issue as non-dog owners, especially as it is giving dogs such a bad name and running the risk of them being banned in places.

“So, we are appealing to owners to please think of people pushing buggies, wheelchairs, bicycles, children playing and the health of other dogs before they leave dog poo in public places.”

To read the full survey results and benefits of picking up after your dog, please see www.BlueCross.ie