Responsible dog walkers are extremely welcome on Hampstead
Heath.
In almost every survey of Heath-users dog fouling and poor dog
control come out towards the top of the list of dislikes.
Dog fouling and poor dog control not only spoil the enjoyment of
the Heath for fellow users but contribute to significant ecological
and environmental damage.
Each year there are more than seven million visitors to
Hampstead Heath. Based on recent survey research, up to 50%
of visitors utilise the Heath for exercising their dog. That leads
to a lot of dog mess, which if not collected and deposited in the
bins provided by the owner, or person accompanying the dog, is very
problematical.
Dog mess is smelly and dirty and contains the same bacteria that
human waste contains. Humans use toilets and sewage systems to
protect the environment and drinking water. When we fail to pick up
after our dogs we are depositing sewage where we play, sit and
walk.
Dog mess can contain a number of organisms that can cause
illness. Best known is toxocariasis, an infection caused
by roundworm parasites that in extreme cases can cause
blindness.
Harmful minerals in dog mess are released, contributing
significantly to increased phosphate levels in the Heath’s soil.
Increased phosphates disrupt the plants that grow on the Heath,
with wild flowers getting swamped by more vigorous species. The
phosphates also find their way into the Heath’s ponds where they
increase the instances of algal bloom. This can kill fish and
plants. Algal bloom prevents marginal water plants from becoming
established. These marginals provide the spawning grounds for many
species of fish. No spawning grounds means reduced fish
populations.
Changes to the chemical composition of the soil and aquatic
environments are permanent.
So please think of the consequences of your dog fouling
Hampstead Heath. There is an easy way to stop the long term
damage: pick up after your dog!