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Failure to clean up after your dog can result in humans, particularly children,
becoming infected by a dog parasite that can cause blindness. The parasite is a
worm called Toxocara canis that passes its eggs in the dogs’ stools. Toxocara is a
roundworm which infects dogs in Ireland. It is rare for a dog, especially a young
pup, not to be troubled by worms at some stage. Even in dogs that are regularly
wormed can still carry some of these worms. The worm lives in the dog’s intestine
and its eggs are passed in the dog’s stools.

Toxocariasis is an infection which humans can pick up as a result of coming into
contact with the eggs contained in the dog’s stools. Although usually a mild infec-
tion in humans, Toxocariasis can have potentially serious health effects such as
blindness. This is rare BUT it can and does happen.

The Toxocarra eggs have to be ingested (i.e. taken into the mouth and swallowed)
before someone can catch the infection. This could happen if a person handles soil,
sand or any other material that is contaminated with dog stools and subsequently
has direct contact with the mouth before hand-washing. Gardens, play areas and
public parks are likely sites for contamination with dog stools.

So, there is a genuine cause for concern apart from the fact that it is particularly
unpleasant to look at. The Control of Dogs Act 1986 requires owners tobe over the
age of sixteen years, they must licence the animal every year, keep them under
control in public places, accompany their dogs at all times and prevent the nui-
sance of excessive barking. That’s not happening.

In short, we seem to have lots of rules and regulations governing the control of
dogs in public places. Rules about pooping, barking, cleaning poop and not being
allowed to run wild in public. On the other hand, we have an abundance of dogs
roaming freely all across the land, pooping and barking at will and nobody seems
to care.

Read more from Trevor on his blog at www.trevorlaffan.com