Overflowing Sheffield Dog Bins Branded a ‘Health Hazard’

Overflowing dog poo bins have been branded a health hazard by disgusted Lodge Moor families.

Residents in Lodge Moor say the bins are not being emptied enough – but the council claim it is professional dog walkers who are abusing the facilities.

Dog walker Jacqueline Ducksbury, 59, of Blackbrook Road, Lodge Moor, said: “You more often than not have to report they are full or overflowing.

“The parks department are blaming professional dog walkers for them overflowing but this area is a beauty spot with two pubs that allow dogs in and attracts people with dogs from all over the Sheffield area, which is another reason the bins are well used.

“There is no logistical planning and the councils resources are not being used effectively as even when some bins in the area are eventually emptied, others will be left in the same state.”

Since dog fouling can be dangerous to humans, the concerned Lodge Moor residents fear health risks from bins overflowing in parks popular with young children, which locals say are rarely frequented by professional dog walkers.

Jackie Clarkson, 42, of Cricket Inn Road, Sheffield, who regularly goes to Spider Park in Lodge Moor with her children, said: “The bins are always overflowing so I am always careful my kids stay away after hearing stories of toxocariasis in young children that have unknowingly come in to contact with faeces.

“Blaming professional dog walkers is a poor excuse since it is a childs play area and so I challenge the fact they are emptied once a week.”

The claims come just eighteen months after an extra dog bin was fitted in the area to help alleviate the issue.

Andrew Sanger, Fulwoods Councillor, said: “Unfortunately we don’t have the capacity to empty them more than once a week and are unable to prevent the professional dog walkers using our parks.

“However I agree with you that for dog bins to work they need to be regularly emptied so I will put another complaint into the park department.”