Tot ate dog poo left at popular picnic spot

A Perthshire mum has hit out at irresponsible pet owners after her 11-month-old child picked up and ate a dog poo in a public picnic area.

The toddler was enjoying the sunshine with her mum at Pitlochry Recreation

Grounds when she crawled off, picked up some dirt and put it in her mouth.

Her horrified mum took to social media to share the incident, making an appeal to dog owners to do the right thing and dispose of their mess.

She said: “This is a plea to dog owners who use the Rec to please pick up after their pets. My 11-month-old daughter was crawling around while we had a picnic today and picked up and ate a dog poo before I could get to her.

“I accept that I should have checked more thoroughly but it’s absolutely disgusting to leave this in an area meant for everyone to enjoy.”

The mother added: “There is probably little point to this post because the majority of dog owners are responsible and will be as annoyed about this as I am and the lazy, antisocial few who do this will ignore it.”

The story horrified residents, who made their feelings clear.

One said: “That is disgusting. When I was out this morning I always come down through the two fields and the amount of dog dirt I passed was unbelievable. Pitlochry is by far the worst I’ve ever seen and a lot worse since lockdown.”

Another said: “That is awful, hope your daughter is OK.”

Someone else chipped in: “That is so awful for you and the wee one. I would be so furious. I’ve noticed more dog waste around the local area recently when I’m out with my dog.

“I don’t understand why. Folk can hardly blame the tourists at the moment.”

Another person pointed out : “In other countries they have parks or areas in parks where you can walk your dog but the mentality of the people here, not picking up, some would still carry on leaving it.”

Dog fouling at the Rec was highlighted last Thursday at a virtual meeting of Pitlochry and Moulin Community Council by Bruce Patterson of the Pavilion Users Group.

He told the PA: “Dog mess at the Recreation Ground has been a problem for some time.

“The situation is now becoming intolerable. During the lockdown period the finger of blame can only be pointed at dog owners who live locally.

“The area is a very attractive place to walk and play with dogs but it is a recreation area with a play park attached.

“The community has worked very hard to upgrade the park. To have it spoiled by a few selfish dog owners is disheartening.

“There can be no excuse for these irresponsible dog owners not cleaning up behind their animals, keeping the wider community safe.”

Highland ward councillor Mike Williamson branded the family’s unpleasant experience “totally unacceptable”.

Fellow ward councillor John Duff said: “This disgusting practice must stop.

“A young child could have become extremely ill.”