We residents living in Triq it-Tut, Żabbar, together with garage owners, are fed up with dog fouling in our area. Some dog owners take out their dog for a walk and are not clearing up the mess left by their dogs.

... dog owners are legally responsible to clear up after their dog- Lawrence Darmanin, Żabbar

This irresponsibility should come to an end.

Apart from the inconvenience of cleaning our garage doors and the pavement on a regular basis, dog fouling poses a threat to public health.

A quick online search reveals that dog excrement can result in toxocariasis – an infection of the roundworm toxocara canis. Toxocariasis most commonly affects young children.

Toxocara infections can also cause an eye disease that can cause blindness.

This problem has been reported to the local council. We also provided suggestions for the launch of a public information campaign about dog owner responsibility.

This campaign should then be complemented with the enforcement of local regulations by local wardens.

One should remember that dog owners are legally responsible to clear up after their dog.

As residents we hope action is taken as soon as possible.