A RHU resident has hit out at dog walkers who have let their pooches poo inside a children’s play park in the village.

Gillian Massie told the Advertiser that she has received verbal abuse from dog walkers when she has asked them not to let their dogs foul in the community playground at Manse Brae.

Gillian has complained to Argyll and Bute Council about the dog fouling problem, which can cause toxocariasis, a rare infection caused by roundworm parasites.

She told the Advertiser: “People don’t realise it’s a problem. It can blind a child. People should realise the dangers that it can cause.

“People are taking their dogs in when they’re not supposed to take them. I’ve had verbal abuse from asking people to take their dogs out of the park.

“They think it’s fine, but if their dogs leave a wee package then there are kids around. I say it’s dangerous to children.

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“Dog fouling is a problem everywhere but I think somewhere a child can safely play it’s a shame that dog owners can spoil it for them.”

Gillian said the play park at Manse Brae was condemned in 2000 and equipment was removed.

It lay empty until residents decided to upgrade the area through community fund-raising, giving children a place to play and everyone in the community a place to go.

“The community raised the money to put everything in the park and it’s sad that folk can just take their dogs there,” Gillian continued.

“I’ve been on to the council about it and hopefully they’ll get a banner to warn dog owners against fouling there.

“Owners need to know you can be fined as well, I’ve a next door neighbour who had a ramp outside her house, and a dog pooed there and she couldn’t leave her house.

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“The dog warden had to come out and clean it all up.”

Humans can catch toxocariasis from handling soil or sand contaminated with infected animal faeces and the roundworm parasites are most commonly found in cats, dogs and foxes, and usually affect young children, occasionally blinding them.

There are up to 120 cases recorded per year in the UK.

An Argyll and Bute Council spokesperson said: “As agreed at the last environment, development and infrastructure committee we are developing posters to offer to community councils to put up at areas they feel appropriate.

“This will be backed up with a social media campaign that draws attention to the antisocial and health issues that dog fouling creates.

“Meantime, we will arrange for additional signage to be put up at the area identified by Ms Massie and our warden will increase his patrols.”