Getting in a stink!

Rant alert. My humans have just come back from a walk with one topic on their mind: dog mess. And they are steaming! We live in a pretty West Cornwall riverside village with lots of lovely walks for humans and their canine companions, but it’s being ruined by a few thoughtless individuals who either leave piles of the stinky stuff for others to avoid – or pick up, like my humans do – or, worse still, put it in a bag then leave it or, for some unfathomable reason, tie it to a tree branch or bush!

We dogs in the UK produce more than 1,000 tonnes of mess every day so it’s not surprising this is an issue. As well as being unpleasant – just think back to the last time you stepped in some! – it can cause a nasty infection with some truly horrible symptoms.

What I can’t understand is if you love dogs enough to have one, why aren’t you prepared to pick up after it? We can hardly do it ourselves!

Anyone who fails to clear up after their dog can be issued with a Fixed Penalty Notice of up to £100. If the case goes to court this could cost the owner or person in charge of the animal up to £1,000. And by the way, the law also states that being unaware a dog has fouled or not having a suitable bag is not a reasonable excuse.

I know there’s not always a bin immediately available because I’ve heard my humans comment on the fact, but you are allowed to use any public bin for dog poo so if you bag it, bin it – or take it home with you so that we can all enjoy mess-free walks in the countryside.