Across the UK, a growing “poo mountain” is piling up in parks, pavements, and playing fields. Despite public awareness campaigns and fines, many dog owners still fail to pick up after their pets. The consequences are more than unpleasant—they’re a serious public health hazard.

The Hidden Dangers of Dog Waste

Dog faeces are not just unsightly; they are teeming with harmful bacteria and parasites. These can pose significant health risks to both humans and animals.

• Toxocariasis: Caused by roundworm eggs found in dog feces, this infection can lead to serious health issues, including blindness, especially in children who play in contaminated areas. 

• Campylobacter and Salmonella: These bacteria can cause gastrointestinal illnesses in humans, with symptoms like diarrhea, vomiting, and fever. 

• Leptospirosis: Transmitted through contact with infected urine or feces, this disease can lead to kidney damage, meningitis, liver failure, and respiratory distress. 

A recent incident in Wales highlighted the severity of the issue: a rugby player nearly lost his leg after contracting an infection from sliding in dog feces left on the pitch. 

The Impact on Community Spaces

Dog fouling is not just a health concern; it also affects the usability of public spaces. Football pitches and parks are particularly vulnerable.  

In Wiltshire, a football match was canceled because the opposing team refused to play on a pitch contaminated with dog waste. 

Similarly, Llandrindod Wells FC expressed frustration over dog poo left on their football and training pitches, noting the health risks and the unpleasant experience for players. 

Could Raw Feeding Be Part of the Solution?

Interestingly, a dog’s diet can influence the nature of its waste. Feeding dogs a raw diet has been associated with smaller, firmer, and less odorous stools. 

According to We Feed Raw, “Raw pet food can actually make your dog poop less! This is because your pet is now ingesting food that is being digested and properly utilised by the body, resulting in less waste.” 

Similarly, Everything Raw notes that “Smaller, harder, stench-free poops are easier to deal with from a cleanliness standpoint.” 

These firmer stools are easier to pick up and less likely to smear, making it more likely that owners will clean up after their pets.

Community Action and Responsibility

While changing a dog’s diet can help, the primary responsibility lies with pet owners to clean up after their animals. Communities can aid this by providing adequate waste bins and clear signage.

In Dublin, a study found that park entrances and playgrounds were the most contaminated with roundworm eggs, leading researchers to call for stricter dog fouling measures, including more signage and dedicated waste bins. 

Conclusion

The dog poo epidemic is a multifaceted issue affecting health, community enjoyment, and the environment. While raw feeding may contribute to more manageable waste, the core solution lies in responsible pet ownership and community support. By working together, we can flatten the poo mountain and create cleaner, safer public spaces for everyone.