As a dog lover and parent it is a great disappointment to me that there are still people in Orkney who do not pick up after their dog.

In the Liberator/Walliwall area, a lovely new housing scheme where children play outside, and are encouraged to do so (which is a good thing), the area is being marred by a dog owner/owners who are not picking up after their pooch.

Not only is this disgusting and extremely unneighbourly of them – it is also illegal and a public health issue. The main danger from dog fouling is Toxocariasis which is caused by worm eggs being ingested. The eggs can still infect after lying dormant in the ground for 12 months or so. This is why the waste should be removed straight away. The symptoms vary but, in severe cases, partial or total loss of sight may occur.

We want children to play outside. It is good for them to be out in the fresh air running around – but where there is a dog owner/owners being irresponsible and not picking up after their dog – it endangers the health of the children playing.

The Dog fouling (Scotland) Act 2003 makes it an offence for any person in charge of a dog not to immediately remove and dispose of its fouling in an appropriate manner. This applies to all public places including:

• Common areas such as drying greens
• Pavements and footpaths
• Children’s play areas
• Parks and recreational areas
• Beaches

Failure of a dog owner to pick up may result in the issue of a fixed penalty notice. This is currently set at £80. This rises to £100 if not paid within 28 days. Offenders can also be reported to the Procurator Fiscal and may be fined up to £500 if convicted.

If you witness a dog-fouling offence, contact Environmental Health at Orkney Islands Council on env.health@orkney.gov.uk or phone 01856 873535 ext. 2801.

Whoever is responsible for not cleaning up after their dog – please stop this antisocial behaviour before you are reported to the authorities.

Yours, Name and address supplied.