Residents and businesses in the county are being urged to give their views about dog fouling as part of a survey being carried by Powys County Council.
The council has launched the survey to find out how big an issue dog fouling is in communities and if there are particular hotspots where people allow their dogs to foul.
The survey can be found by visiting www.powys.gov.uk/consultation while hard copies will be available from council libraries next week. The survey closes on Sunday 31 January 2016.
It is illegal not to clean up after their dog, or any dog they are in control of, if it has fouled on footpaths or any other land open to the public. Not only is dog waste an eyesore and very unpleasant to step in, it can also be a danger to public health, especially young children, as it can lead to serious illnesses including toxocariasis (round worm infection).
Cllr John Powell, Cabinet Member for Environmental Protection, said: “The majority of dog owners being responsible and picking up after their pet, dog fouling remains an unpleasant issue for communities as it effects everyone, whether you are a dog owner or not.
“We are determined to tackle this issue but we can’t do this alone. Residents and businesses can play a vital role in helping combat this in Powys and one of the ways they can help is by taking part in this survey.
“Their views will help us find out how big of an issue it is in the county and also identify any particular hotspots where people allow their dogs. We will be able to use the results of the survey and use what resources we have effectively to combat dog fouling in the county.”
The council is urging residents to continue to report any particular problems in their area but is also reminding dog owners that they must clean up after the dog has fouled and properly dispose of the waste.
“There is a minority who let their communities down by failing to clear up after their dogs. If you are out walking your dog, always carry a plastic bag to pick up the mess as soon as your dog has fouled and place it in the nearest dog waste or litter bin or dispose of it at home,” said Cllr Powell.
If you would like to report a dog fouling incident or advise us of a particular problem in your area then visit our dog fouling web page to do it online here or email tls.helpdesk@powys.gov.uk, telephone 0845 602 7035 / 01597 827465.