IT has become more noticeable in recent times that the problem of dog fouling on our pavements, open spaces and in some cases the owners own back gardens, especially lawned areas, is on the increase.

Having over the years been engaged in and owning domestic and working dogs, I am fully aware of the responsibilities one has to one’s family and the general public at large, as to their welfare and behaviour.

With hopefully good weather ahead, with long hot sunny days, the consequences of not cleaning up one’s own dog’s faeces can lead to major medical problems, apart from being antisocial.

The main concern, especially in areas where children and the public at large relax and play, or where faeces could be transferred into the home afterwards on people’s footwear, is the danger that innocent victims could be subject to the medical condition “toxocariasis” which affects the eyes, and has other serious side-effects.

It seems logical as a responsible dog owner, not only to clean up the affected area, but a squirt from an anti-bacterial container would not go amiss as well.

Kenneth Bowker, Vesper Walk, Huntington, York.