Council staff told not to takle dog fouling in children's play area

The issue raised in this myth-buster case  concerned a council which was requested to clean up multiple dog fouling in an infants’ play area.  The council replied using the following unjustified health and safety reason for not clearing up the dog fouling "Unfortunately, the Council's grounds maintenance team are not allowed to tackle dog fouling by hand (including spades) for health and safety reasons."

The panel discussed the case, and decided that in this case, those most at risk from the behaviour of irresponsible dog owners are children. The Council is right to encourage owners to clean up after their dogs – and the steps they are taking to keep dogs out of the play area are sensible. However, saying that their staff cannot clear up the mess for health and safety reasons is incorrect. Any risks to adults from clearing up after dogs can be easily managed by simple precautions and good hygiene.