TORFAEN'S Animal and Pest Control team have been out and about in the county's parks and public places, to tackle the problem of dog fouling in areas where children play or walk.

Dog faeces are likely to cause a health hazard to people as they contain bacteria that can cause stomach upsets if ingested. The greatest risk to public health is toxocariasis, and young children are particularly susceptible to this.

Those dog owners caught allowing their dogs to foul will be issued with a Fixed Penalty Notice and a fine of £75. Most dog owners are responsible and clear up after their pets, but 20 dog owners have been served with Fixed Penalty Notices in just 6 months, showing that the message is not getting through to everyone.

Councillor Julianna Biggs, the Executive Member for the Planning and Public Protection service, said, "We receive many requests from local residents and Councillors requesting that we do more to reduce the levels of dog fouling in the area. We have, over previous years, put up notices in many areas of Torfaen and undertaken publicity to encourage dog owners to clean up after their pets, and we now take the view that anybody walking a dog in a public place should be aware of the need to clean up any mess left by their pet."

If local residents or businesses would like our Animal and Pest Control team to target a dog fouling problem in their area, they should contact us on 01633 647621/22.