Dog fouling threat to beaches highlighted
The annual beach litter survey by the Marine Conservation Society (MCS) has noted an 11% increase in incidents of dog excrement being bagged and abandoned on public beaches, with a massive increase of 71% in Scotland. The MCS survey also noted that general littering had actually declined in the same period, with a full 11% decline being recorded over a weekend in September.
Dog fouling has repeatedly been found to be a threat to public health due to the risk of exposure to high levels of bacteria, a cause of dramatic falls in water quality, and a general public nuisance. The MCS has recommended that dog owners instead follow disposal instructions and use the bins provided for such a purpose.
This is not the first call for responsibility from dog owners clearing up after their animals. British Waterways were obliged to launch a similar campaign in 2010 to prevent dog owners abandoning bagged excrement near canals.
Veterinary practices are being urged to help owners safely dispose of any unused and expired pet medicines - not just antibiotics - during November's Animal Medicines Amnesty. 
