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There's nothing more annoying than being out and about and seeing an abundance of dog mess.

Not only is it unpleasant to look at, it could lead to some pretty serious health issues.

According to the Daily Post , contact with dog excrement can cause toxocariasis – a nasty infection that can lead to dizziness, nausea, asthma and even blindness or seizures.

With more and more people taking to social media to name and shame those who aren't cleaning up after their pooches , it's not massively surprising as the Keep Britain Tidy Campaign estimated that more than eight million dogs produce more than 1,000 of mess every single day.

But what does the law say about it? Is there anything we can actually do if we spot it?

The law

Anyone caught not clearing up after their dog can be issued a Fixed Penalty Notice of up to £100.

This price varies from council to council and refusing to pay up can land you in court. If it goes this far, the owner could see a hefty fine of up to £1,000.

Exceptions

Despite popular belief you aren’t off the hook if the furry friend isn’t yours, you’re still responsible if they’re in your care at the time - so pack some poo bags.

However, people with disabilities can be exempt if their disability restricts their sight or mobility.

This includes registered blind owners, who are exempt from cleaning up after their guide dog.

You can also be exempt depending on the type of area you’re in.

You won’t be fined for leaving dog mess in woodland, rural land, marshland or motorways.

What to do about fouling in your area?

If you see a dog owner not cleaning up after their dog without good cause you can report them to your local council.

Most councils have regulations in place to prevent dog fouling, including a dog warned who can issue a fine to dog owners caught at fault.

The South Gloucestershire council have said that they want to reduce the amount of dog waste littering South Gloucestershire and to ensure that dog owners meet their responsibilities.

As a result of this from Monday July 1, 2019 they are using powers under Section 59 of the Anti-Social Behaviour Crime and Policing Act 2014.

It can also be an offence under the Environmental Protection Act 1990 to allow large amounts of dog faeces to build up in your garden.

Dog faeces can cause problems to users of parks and sports grounds and nobody likes it left outside their front gate.

It can also carry diseases including Toxocariasis, which can lead to serious illness, including blindness. This can be a particular risk for children.

To read more about animals and pets, click here.