Sponsored by
Messy Goole dog owners brought to heel by angry council
PLAYING FIELD: At Kent Road playing field, where dog fouling is a major problem, is Phil Batten of Goole Town Council. (L5037TS) Picture: Tony Saxton
DOG owners are being warned to clean up their act or face a fine after mounds of mess have been left on a Goole football pitch.
The grounds maintenance team for Goole Town Council say they were confronted with 25 piles of dog excrement on the Kent Road site on just one day.
And they say, not only is it disgusting and irresponsible but it is a health hazard too.
Phil Batten, operations manager (amenities), said: “The football pitch is used by juniors as well as adults and it is not fair for them to run the risk of treading or falling in the dog mess. It is not just upsetting but it is a serious health risk as dog excrement – because of the parasites that are in it – it is well known to lead to serious health conditions including eye disease and toxocariasis, which can cause weight loss, breathing difficulties, stomach pain and even fits.”
He said the situation on the site, which he and his team visited weekly to prepare it for forthcoming matches, had got worse during the winter.
“I think because it is cold and dark on an evening people don’t want to go far with their dogs. They come here because it is safe and secure and they can let their dogs off the lead. The trouble is they are failing to clear up after them.”
He said while there were signs warning people to clean up after their pets, the council had now erected three more.
If caught, the perpetrators face a £75 fixed penalty fine and, if the case goes to court, they could be landed with a fine of up to £1,000.
“We just want dog owners to respect and care for others. It doesn’t take much to bag up the dog mess and dispose of it in the bin provided,” said Mr Batten.
Email to a friend
Print this page
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for Goole
Friday 25 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 10 C to 23 C
Wind Speed: 20 mph
Wind direction: East
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: 9 C to 21 C
Wind Speed: 17 mph
Wind direction: East
Your view
Please sign in to be able to comment on this story.