Picking up after your pet isn’t just a decent thing to do - it helps protect public health and keeps our shared spaces clean.

Dog faeces can carry harmful bacteria and parasites that pose a risk to people, especially children and other animals.

It might not be the nicest job, but cleaning up after our animal companions is part of being a responsible owner.

It’s so easy to assume one missed dog poo won’t hurt, but it can. Dog faeces can spread things like E. coli and roundworms.

With cat faeces, there’s a risk of toxoplasmosis, which can be especially dangerous for pregnant women and those with weakened immune systems.

Campaigns like Keep Britain Tidy’s Dog Poo Fairy have been instrumental in raising awareness.

Their message is clear: there’s no such thing as the dog poo fairy - it’s up to each of us to bag it and bin it.

Their initiatives have led to significant reductions in dog fouling in participating areas, highlighting the power of community action.

Beyond health concerns, failing to pick up after your dog is illegal. Under the Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2005, local authorities can issue Fixed Penalty Notices to offenders.

These fines serve as a deterrent and reinforce the importance of maintaining clean public spaces.

When it comes to disposing of pet waste, consider using biodegradable or compostable poo bags. These are usually made from plant-based materials like cornstarch and are designed to break down more quickly than traditional plastic bags, making them a more environmentally friendly option.

For cat owners, maintaining clean litter trays is so important.

Removing waste at least twice a day and giving the tray a thorough clean once a week not only keeps things hygienic but also encourages our cats to keep using their tray rather than finding alternative spots.

If your cat prefers the outdoors, try creating a toilet area in your garden. Soil or fine play sand can work really well. Doing this could help them tap into their natural instincts and gives them a familiar space to return to - a great way to help keep the rest of the garden, and neighbour’s gardens, clean too.

These small changes really can make a positive difference for our pets, our neighbours and our planet.

What little things do you do that make a big difference to your community as a pet owner? We’d love to hear them.