A popular National Trust beauty spot has had its dog poo containers removed because they were overflowing.
Ludshott Common, Hampshire: Park rangers say that they are able to handle the number of litter bags left on the site’s 735 acres.
Dog walkers find it difficult to empty their pet poo bags and instead stack them onto the bins.
Some dog-walkers have left their pets behind by leaving them to hang out with the trees. Staff at National Trust describe it as a “sad, sorry state”.
Managers at the charity are now asking visitors to return their litter bags to the office.
Matt Bramich (Head Ranger for Ludshott Common) stated that despite the increase in dog-walkers using Ludshott Common this past year, it has been difficult to manage the dog waste disposal in our bins.
Because they overflow, National Trust beauty spots have had to remove dog poo bins. Pictured: A dog poo container at Ludshott Common, east Hampshire.
Ludshott Common Park Rangers in East Hampshire claim they were able keep up with dog walkers leaving litter bags at their 735-acre property.
The charity spends a lot to empty these bags, and is still struggling to manage the situation.
“It is sad and unfortunate to treat such a lovely place as this. It poses a danger to visitors’ health and safety.
We have limited resources for waste disposal as charity. Therefore, the Ludshott Common dog waste bins will be taken down.
“We want people visiting the common to appreciate this beautiful landscape’s wildlife. But we need dog owners who will help us take care of it, picking up after their dogs and taking home their dog’s waste.
Ludshott Common was one of the most important areas of remaining heathland east of Hampshire. It saw an increase in visits over the pandemic.
The rangers discovered more problems in the park such as littering and fly tipping, damage to pathways from increased footfall and altercations between dogs or livestock, dog poo, and the problem of dogs stealing.
Pet ownership has been on the rise. Last year’s Covid lockdown saw millions of Brits purchase animal companions.
The Pet Food Manufacturers Association estimates that 3.2 million UK homes welcomed new pets into their families during lockdown. Cats and dogs are the most common.
A lot of pets were purchased to aid people in loneliness and lockdown. However, the increase in work from home has enabled those who are worried about leaving their pet alone to relocate.
The Pet Food Manufacturers Association estimates that 3.2 million UK homes welcomed new pets into their families during lockdown. Cats and dogs are the most common. Photo from Library.
The most likely people to add a pet to the family were Londoners (18%) with nearly one-fifth of them having adopted a pet. 35% of millennials stated that they purchased or planned to purchase a pet in the wake of the pandemic.
Rightmove figures show that tenants are increasingly searching for pet-friendly properties. Their interest has soared to 120 percent.
However, more dogs may be discarded on the streets due to increased dog ownership.
Researchers have found evidence of a 200 percent increase in dog waste across the UK since the outbreak. However, the majority pet owners are known to be responsible for cleaning up after their pets.
Divert.co.uk performed the research and provides dog litter removal for both councils, as well private landowners.
Mark Hall spoke out, stating that “it is shocking to see some dog owners failing to take care of their animals.” This could lead to severe illnesses.