It’s one of those moments every dog owner knows well: your four-legged friend squats mid-walk, you reach for the poo bags, and a tiny voice in your head wonders whether you really need to bother this time. After all, it’s just nature, isn’t it?
The truth is, leaving dog poo where it falls isn’t just unpleasant – it’s a genuine hazard. For starters, dog faeces can carry harmful bacteria and parasites such as Toxocara canis. These can linger in soil long after the mess has decomposed, posing risks to other dogs, wildlife, and even humans – particularly children playing on grass. Eye infections and, in rare cases, blindness can result from contact with contaminated soil.
Then there’s the environmental angle. Unlike the droppings of wild animals, the sheer number of dogs in our towns and parks means their waste can overload local ecosystems. Run-off from uncollected poo can wash into waterways, raising nutrient levels and disrupting aquatic life. In short: it’s not “just fertiliser”.
Socially, it’s a matter of respect. No one enjoys stepping in it, smelling it, or having their kids track it indoors. Failing to clean up reinforces negative stereotypes about dog owners and can lead to tighter restrictions on where dogs are allowed. Picking up after your pet is a small act of courtesy that keeps public spaces pleasant for everyone.
It’s also the law in most of the UK. Councils can fine owners who don’t pick up, and those fines can be surprisingly steep. A few seconds with a bag now can save you an embarrassing and costly encounter later.
The eye-catching sign on a lamp post in Parkstone in Poole, Dorset, has captured the public imagination. The message is to the point and also has the benefit of exercising as a bonus.
The template is now complete, so wherever you live, go and have some fun.
The good news? It’s easy to do the right thing. Keep a stash of biodegradable bags by the door, in your coat pocket, and clipped to the lead. Tie them securely, use designated bins, and if there’s no bin nearby, take the bag home – it’s far better than leaving the mess.
Picking up your dog’s poo isn’t the most glamorous part of pet ownership, but it’s one of the simplest ways to protect health, the environment, and the reputation of responsible dog lovers. In other words, it’s a tiny gesture with a big impact and your community will thank you for it.
