Newark and Sherwood District Council encourages dog owners to pick after pets as part of Cleaner, Safer and Greener initiative

Dog owners throughout Newark and Sherwood are being urged to pick up after their pets and make the district a cleaner and safer place to live.

Promoting responsible dog ownership is the focus of the PAWS campaign, which has been designed to inform owners of the consequences of not picking up after their dogs and educate them on the associated health risks.

PAWS, which stands for Pledge, Active For Life, Welfare and Sign Up, is the latest phase in Newark and Sherwood District Council’s Cleaner, Safer and Greener initiative and will be officially launched next week.

Dog owners are being encouraged to sign up to become a campaign ambassador and pledge to always clean up after their dogs and urge others to do so too.

It is an offence to not pick up dog mess and if caught, a person can liable to a penalty of up to £1,000.

The council says dog mess is an eyesore as well as a health hazard. It can lead to toxocariasis in humans, which can cause serious illness and even blindness.

Toxocariasis is caused by a parasite that lives in a dog’s digestive system.

The parasites lay eggs which are released in the infected dog’s faeces.

Children are much more susceptible to toxocariasis as they are more likely to be playing near to the ground and putting things near their mouths.

Alan Batty, environmental health business manager at the council said: “Dog fouling is a major concern for members of the public.

"We are committed to tackling the issue by educating dog owners on the health risks, but also enforcing the law around picking up after your dog.

“The council is currently recruiting four new neighbourhood wardens to directly address issues including dog fouling in the district.

"Among the wardens’ responsibilities will be the issuing of fixed penalty notices to those who flout the law.”

The PAWS initiative will be officially launched on Wednesday of next week in two of the district’s parks.

Representatives from the Dog’s Trust and the district council environmental health department will be on hand to provide information and answer questions at Sconce and Devon Park ­— 10am–11am ­— and Vicar Water Country Park, Clipstone, 2pm–3pm.