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A football coach is appalled after he was forced to pick up five different piles of dog mess before he could train the club - and is appealing to dog owners to pick it up.

The problem appears to have got worse in the last week with a bigger amount to pick up.

Secretary of the Billinghay Athletic Football Club, Nathan Wood, said it can be a health hazard for those who are using the pitch.

He said: "Recently it seems to have gotten worse.

"I was setting up the activities and take one piece, then I step and see some more. I have to deal with it before continuing.

"I have only noticed the problem on the field - it's where everyone goes so the majority of dog walkers go down there."

The 23-year-old from Billinghay said he owns dogs and this behaviour ruins it for the sensible dog owners.

"We have dogs and take them down there.

"It takes one dog owner to do it and some people say it's all dog owners.

"The majority of dog owners who people moan about leave the mess for a while and think it's okay."

He added it is only in the last two weeks that it has become a problem.

He said: "It is as I am setting up with the cones and I look at the floor and see it as I am setting up.

"I haven't noticed any before and I have been running the club for quite a while."

He said that it doesn't take a lot to clean up after a pet.

"It's really annoying and disappointing. Everyone is trying to work hard.

"The football club wants to make the village better. We have improved the local shelter [on the playing field] and for people to ruin what you are doing, you think 'what's the point' if people are not looking after the place.

"It doesn't take a lot to clean up. You know your dog is doing it - take a dog poo bag. There are bins provided, there is no excuse."

Dog fouling can cause toxocariasis which is an infection of the roundworm toxocara canis.

Eggs of the parasite can be found in sand or soil that is contaminated with faeces and if it is swallowed it can cause an infection for up to 24 months.

Some of the symptoms for this include dizziness and nausea and in an extreme case can cause fits.

The dog owner is responsible for cleaning up mess and if they fail to do so they can be issued with a fixed penalty notice and if this goes to court the fine could reach £1,000.

If owners claim they are unaware their dog has fouled then it is not classed as a reasonable excuse.

Those who have a problem with dog fouling should contact the local dog warden or their environmental health team.

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