The Dog Fouling (Scotland) Bill gives local authorities and the police the power to hand out fixed penalties. From today (21st October 2003), there will be a £40 penalty for dog fouling in Scotland, rising to £60 if the fine is not paid within a month. People face prosecution and a fine of up to £500 if they refuse to pay the fine. The Scottish Executive is planning an advertising campaign to promote the new law. Public Services Minister Andy Kerr said the law sent a clear message to irresponsible dog owners. "It is unacceptable to let your dog foul in a public place and not clean up after it," he said. "Communities across Scotland have the right to enjoy their local environment free from the nuisance and health risks often caused by dog fouling. That is why we have supported this act from the outset to ensure that local authorities and the police have the power to spare local communities from the nuisance that can result from dog fouling. The Royal Environmental Health Institute of Scotland (REHIS) said the new law will be vigorously enforced. "Dog fouling is a public nuisance and one of the biggest causes of complaints to Scotland's environmental health departments," said John Sleith, of the REHIS council. "Owners who allow their pets to leave a mess in public places are indulging in anti-social behaviour. The new legislation has the potential to provide Scotland with cleaner, safer streets and parks, but we will need co-operation from the public." The Community Council have for years been calling for such a change in the law and we wholeheartedly endorse it. In our opinion, responsible dog owners have nothing to fear from it. HEALTH RISKS: Dog waste is not only an extremely unpleasant and unwelcome commodity it is also the perfect breeding ground for bacteria (Campylobacter and Salmonella) and other forms of infection. The most damaging of these is caused by the roundworm Toxocara canis. The eggs of this parasite are present in much dog waste and although initially not infectious, once the eggs hatch they pose serious health risks to any individual unlucky enough to ingest infected soil. The effects of Toxocariasis range from mild flu like symptoms that often go undiagnosed to a more worrying form that affects the eye and can lead to permanent blindness. The risks to health from Toxocara infection can be limited by always washing your hands after coming into contact with any soil and ensuring that dogs are wormed regularly, particularly puppies and lactating bitches.

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