Leave only pawprints this autumn

As the days grow shorter, we’re launching our Leave only Pawprints dog fouling campaign to encourage dog owners to help keep our shared spaces clean and safe.

With instances of dog fouling known to increase as daylight hours shorten, we want to tackle the issue across Wales. As darker evenings and poor weather set in, some owners may think they won’t be seen failing to pick up or may be less willing to stop in the cold and rain, but the impact on our shared spaces is even greater than previously thought.

New research from Aberystwyth University has shed light on just how dangerous uncollected dog waste can be. Scientists collected over 150 ‘fouled’ samples and 138 bagged samples from canine waste bins in and around Aberystwyth and tested them for parasites using faecal egg counts. The study found that 22.1% of fouled samples contained at least one parasitic worm, compared to just 6.5% of picked-up samples. In total, 14.4% of all dog faeces tested positive for parasites, with hookworm (6.8%) and zoonotic ascarid worms such as Toxocara canis (4.5%) among the most common. Fouled samples were 2.6 times more likely to carry infection than those disposed of properly.

The findings also showed that while parasite levels in bagged waste remained stable over time, faecal egg counts in fouled samples broke down and dispersed into the environment over a two-week period, increasing the potential for contamination.

Our research shows a clear link between dog fouling and the health status of the dogs themselves. Dogs that aren’t routinely wormed will shed harmful parasites, which can pose risks to people, other pets, and local wildlife when left in public spaces. Responsible dog ownership – including regular worming and cleaning up after your pet – is essential to keeping our communities safe.

Dr Russ Morphew
Reader in biochemistry and parasitology at Aberystwyth University

While Keep Wales Tidy’s LEAMS (Local Environmental Audit and Management System) surveys show a downward trend in reported dog fouling on streets, the issue remains widespread in areas not captured by the surveys, including parks, verges and rural paths.

It’s encouraging to see fewer incidents of dog fouling on our streets, but this doesn’t tell the full story. We know that fouling continues to be a serious problem in parks and green spaces, especially as the nights draw in. Not only is it unpleasant, but it’s a genuine health hazard for people and pets. There’s no excuse - bag it, bin it, and help us keep Wales clean and safe for everyone.

Owen Derbyshire
Keep Wales Tidy Chief Executive

How you can get involved

Everyone can play a part in protecting Wales’s beautiful places this autumn. Here’s how you can get involved:

Be a responsible dog owner– When out with your dog, always bag and bin their waste
Tag us in your adventures – Share your photos as you explore Wales’s incredible parks, beaches and green spaces. Tag @KeepWalesTidy on social media and use #BagitBinit.
Help promote the campaign – Want to do more? Visit our Brandbag to download free campaign materials, including social media graphics and posters. You can visit our brand toolkit for more information and messaging ideas.

Funded by Welsh Government, the campaign aims to encourage dog owners across Wales to leave only pawprints by picking up after their dog.