Litter

When exercising your pet in public, please use the plastic litter bags the council has provided so that you can pick up after your pet.

If walking your dog in an area where bags aren't provided, please take your own with you.

The easiest method for picking up dog faeces is to place the litter bag over your hand, pick up what you have to, turn the bag inside out and tie the end closed. Zip-lock storage bags are another secure option.

Failure to pick up after your pet in public areas is inconsiderate to others users and will incur an on the spot fine.

Why it's important to pick up litter

  • Dog faeces pollute our beaches, parks and pathways. As well as being unpleasant in sight and odour, they are an environmental hazard particularly for our waterways
  • Faeces are capable of transmitting disease to other animals and in some cases, to humans
  • Leaving dog waste in a public place is against the law

Disease

Many diseases are specific to dogs and need to be understood and managed to provide a safe environment for all. Bacteria and parasites (including fleas and worms) can be passed onto humans, causing anything from discomfort to significant internal damage and illness.

When dogs defecate, the faeces contain parasite's eggs as well as E-coli bacteria which may cause significant illness in people including vomiting, diarrhoea, and ear, nose and throat infections.

Dog faeces can also contain roundworm larvae which can live in the soil for years. Roundworms live in the intestines of dogs and can be a health risk to humans, especially if children swallow the eggs. Dog owners can reduce this risk by a regular worming programme, removing the dog's faeces from their backyard and public places and preventing their dog from wandering and scavenging.

Special care should be taken to protect children's play areas from dog litter. Parasites may be transmitted from dog litter directly to children playing in the area. Always wash children's hands after playing outdoors or with pets.

An adult dog should be wormed at least every three months. Puppies will also need to be wormed every fourteen days until twelve weeks of age and then monthly until six months.

Faeces are also a tell-tale sign of your dog's internal health. You should regularly check your dog's faeces to make sure it is firm and free of blood and mucus.

Courtesy

Some people in the community may not share a love of dogs, so it is important to respect their space and right to use public areas - at no point should the actions of your dog impede other people's enjoyment. Council is committed to encouraging responsible pet ownership to benefit the entire community.