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A rugby club in Cardiff has highlighted a significant issue with dog fouling on its sports fields, describing it as a major concern that causes friction within the community. Eurof James, representing Clwb Rygbi Cymry Caerdydd (CRCC), revealed that both coaches and parents regularly have to clean the pitches before matches start, with some children as young as eight or nine ending up with dog waste on their clothes. The club recently released footage showing a dog defecating on a rugby pitch during one of their second team’s home games, forcing players to stop the game temporarily to remove the mess.
The council, which owns the playing fields, stated that park rangers coordinate with waste enforcement officers to tackle the problem, including educating dog owners when necessary. James pointed out that in Llandaff, Cardiff, there are over 15 sports pitches where hundreds of youngsters play each week. He warned of the health risks, saying, “It can be a medical problem, if there is someone who has a cut or who is injured – it can be a serious problem.” The ongoing challenge creates tension among those involved in the sport, with James recounting incidents where dog owners fail to pay attention, leading him to shout after them. “It creates problems and some parents say are we not doing enough,” he added.
Local authorities have responded by putting up signs advising dog owners to clean up after their pets, alongside warnings that fines of up to £100 can be issued if someone is caught allowing their dog to foul or neglecting to carry means to clear up waste. The presence of parasites transmitted through dog, cat, or fox feces can lead to serious health issues such as loss of sight and breathing difficulties, as exposure occurs if contaminated soil or sand is ingested.
This problem is not unique to Cardiff. In Powys, for example, Hay St Mary’s football club in Hay-on-Wye has had to install CCTV cameras to combat recurring dog fouling on their grounds. The club insisted that “anyone who lets a dog foul on the fields without being cleared will be identified and there will be further action.” Local councillor Gareth Ratcliffe explained how the issue affects everyone: “I appreciate that there are green areas for everyone, but this land is used by children, and it is a danger in terms of diseases.” He expressed hope that the cameras would deter offenders but lamented, “It’s sad that we have reached this point.” Former CRCC chairman and actor Rhys ap William also stressed the need for increased awareness about the harmful effects of dog waste, pointing out that the problem worsens in winter due to poor weather and reduced visibility, leading more owners to neglect clearing up. “I just think some are lazy,” he said, urging owners to be more mindful about where they walk their dogs, especially on playing fields marked by white lines or posts
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