Doggie Pit Stop workshops offer toilet training for pets

A new initiative instructing owners how to clean up effectively after their dogs will be touring Milton Keynes, with the aim of keeping the city's public areas clean and reducing associated health risks.

The Doggie Pit Stop project will be run by Milton Keynes Council and will teach pet owners how to be more responsible when cleaning up after their animals, including information about how to dispose of dog waste properly and safely.

Waste that is left unattended can result in a £50 fixed penalty and can also pose a health risk for dogs that could see their owners running up expensive vet bills if they are not covered by pet insurance.

Sean Greig, Environment Enforcement in Milton Keynes, told the BBC: "We speak to responsible dog owners, to empower them to take action against those who aren't so responsible.

"It is becoming an issue in Milton Keynes. We ask owners to pick up after their dog, they can put the dog mess in any bin, both litter and a dog poo bin, just as long as they keep clean the areas, parks and green spaces for children in Milton Keynes."

Safer communities warden, Mark Wilson, highlighted the dangers of leaving dog waste unattended.

"People aren't aware of the infectious nature of dog fouling," he explained.

"It contains a disease that if you get it on your body, or an open sore, it can create serious health risks for you.

"These sort of 'Doggie Pit Stops' highlight this to owners and walkers. The key message is if you look after a dog pick up after it."

Responsible pet owners who want to safeguard the health of their animals can compare pet insurance to find the best cover for their canine companions.

Fri, 06 Aug 2010 09:01:00 GMT