PILES of dog mess left abandoned by pet owners is causing animals to be infected with worms and diseases, a council has claimed.

Livestock in the fields surrounding Butts Lane in Eastbourne have been falling ill due to walkers not picking up after their dogs.

Eastbourne Borough Council is urging the public to help the farmer, and other farmers in the South Downs National Park, by making sure they always pick-up dog poo and do not leave it behind.

A council spokesman said: “The farmer’s animals in these fields have been infected with worms and diseases from dog walkers not picking up after their dogs.

“Hundreds of dogs and their owners pass through every day.

“The landscape is maintained by farmers grazing livestock so you can enjoy this right of way.

“Please help the farmer look after his livestock by picking up after your dog in the fields and on the Downs.”

Earlier this year, an updated version of the Countryside Code urged visitors to stay on footpaths, and bag and bin their dog’s poo.

The code asks walkers dog walkers to bag up their pet’s poo and take it home to their own bin if there are no public waste bins.

It also makes clear that the guidance applies to all natural places, including parks and waterways, coast and countryside.

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