Poo bags clogging waterways fear
Too little: not enough bins in London
Dog owners aren’t properly disposing of waste, according to the Marine Conservation Society.
Although many people make the effort to bag up their dog’s poo, few dispose of it in a safe way, the Society says..
The trend rose by 71 per cent in Scotland last year, according to the MCS’s annual beach litter report.
This has sparked concern for human health, water quality, and the safety of marine animals.
Overall, the amount of rubbish left on British beaches has been falling with sewage- related debris – including sanitary items and cotton buds flushed down the toilet – down by a third.
But MCS beachwatch officer Lauren David insisted litter levels were still too high. She said: “We’re delighted pet owners are thinking ahead by carrying poop scoop bags, but hope our findings will now encourage them to bin their bags in one of the many receptacles provided for the job. With 2012 set to be a year of celebrations, we really need people to understand why letting go is a bad idea.”
Roger Wilsher, Company Secretary at Cats, Dogs & peace of Mind, said that scopping the poop was fundamentally important but pointed out that too often there were no bins in which to throw the poop-scoop bags.
“There are whole streets – particularly in central London – where there is not a single bin so what are people supposed to do? A poo bag is hardly the sort of thing you want to be carrying for too long.”
