Dog ownership comes with responsibilities, including cleaning up after your pet in public areas. Here's how to handle dog litter with consideration for your community.
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Our Top 10 Tips for picking up dog litter
Take Responsibility: It's essential to clean up after your dog when they relieve themselves in public spaces.
Carry Supplies: Always carry poop bags or waste disposal bags when walking your dog to be prepared for cleanup.
Act Promptly: Immediately pick up your dog's litter after they finish, avoiding leaving it behind for others to encounter.
Proper Technique: Use a poop bag to pick up the waste, carefully turning it inside out and tying it to contain the litter.
Dispose Correctly: Dispose of the bag in designated bins or carry it with you until you find an appropriate disposal point.
Maintain Hygiene: After handling dog litter, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water or use hand sanitiser.
Consider Others: Be considerate of pedestrians, homeowners, and fellow dog owners by ensuring you clean up any mess left by your pet.
Regular Inspection: Inspect the area your dog uses for litter to ensure you've removed all waste, reducing the risk of contamination and unpleasant odours.
Train Your Dog: Train your dog to relieve themselves in designated areas or on command to make waste collection more manageable.
In the United Kingdom, it is a legal requirement for dog owners to pick up their dog's litter - ensure you check your countries legislation: This requirement is covered under the Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2005 as well as specific laws passed by local councils across the UK. Failure to pick up and properly dispose of dog waste can result in a fine, typically between £50 - £80.
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From the experts: Opt for biodegradable poop bags when picking up after your dog. These bags are designed to break down more quickly than traditional plastic bags, reducing environmental impact. Look for bags labelled as biodegradable or compostable, ensuring they meet recognised standards for eco-friendly disposal. By choosing biodegradable options, you contribute to preserving the environment while fulfilling your responsibility as a dog owner.
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