"Scoop the poop!"
That is what the Animal Control Unit is urging owners of dogs to do when these animals defecate in public places.
"Owners walking or exercising dogs in public places, such as pathways, lanes, on public roads or the beach must ???scoop the poop’ and dispose of the faeces to the satisfaction of the Medical Officer of Health," Animal Control Officer, Curtis Thompson has pointed out.
And, this does not mean simply covering up the faeces with sand, if it happens on the beach. ??
"This is unsanitary as inevitably the ebb and flow of the tide washes away the sand and unsuspecting persons either playing or lying on the beach, can come into contact with these faeces," the head of the Animal Control Unit stressed.
Owners are, therefore, advised to carry a plastic bag and a small scoop to remove all faeces from pavements, walkways, public roads, beaches and lawns, which should then be buried at least four to six feet deep.
This information is contained in the Dog Licensing and Control Regulations, 1982 at Section 12 (2) (3) Part 3 (Control of Dogs in Public Places). ??Any person who contravenes or fails, without reasonable excuse to comply with this section is guilty of an offence and liable on summary conviction to a fine of $250.00 or to imprisonment for a term of three months, or both.????
Members of the public are also reminded to cooperate with beach rangers from the National Conservation Commission (NCC), the Royal Barbados Police Force and environmental health officers who are authorised to enforce the legislation.
While the Animal Control Unit will continue to remove all stray dogs from public places, the issue of stray dogs or other animals defecating on the beach or any other public place is managed with the assistance of the NCC and the Sanitation Service Authority. jgill@barbados.gov.bb