SDLP Councillor for the Moor area, John Boyle has welcomed a confirmed commitment from Derry City & Strabane District Council that it will become ‘even more proactive in tackling issues associated with dog fouling.’
Cllr Boyle said: “In recent weeks I have been contacted by many concerned and community minded constituents who had highlighted concerns about levels and occurrences of dog fouling in the Foyle Valley Park and around the Foyle Road area in general.
“I personally inspected the Park and it was very evident that more needs to be done to tackle the issues. This is very much a public health matter
”Council’s Environmental Health Department have now carried out a full inspection of the area and have agreed with my assessment.
“They have now confirmed that council cleansing teams will conduct a clean-up of the area and officers will be patrolling more frequently.
“A review of signage and location of dog waste bins will also be carried out with a view to having more by way of facilities for disposal of dog faeces.
”Dog owners need to understand the real dangers associated with allowing their animals to defecate without cleaning up after them.
“Animal faeces carry very many diseases and these are a very real threat to human health. This is a filthy and unthoughtful practice.
“Many families use the area to walk with their children and a child coming into contact with animal faeces runs a very real risk of contracting Toxocariasis.
“This infection is caused by roundworm parasites. Humans can catch it by handling infected animal faeces.
“Roundworm parasites are most commonly found in, dogs and cats and usually affect young children.
“Children have been known to become blind after such contact and other health threats are also present after contact with animal faeces.”
Cllr Boyle concluded: “Once again, I appeal to all dog lovers to clean up after their pets. It is such a simple thing to do.”
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