Recently the pavements and parks of Oxford seem to have been bombarded by dog mess. There is nothing more unpleasant than realising you’ve just trodden in the stuff.

However, it’s not just the aggravation of having to clean your shoes that is a problem. Dog mess can pose a real danger to your health.

Recently a toddler fell in dog mess in a park and she may now have partial sight.

She was treated for toxocariasis, a potentially lethal disease, which can also blind.

It’s very important that dogs get a lot of exercise and are not cooped up indoors all day. But please think about your fellow Oxford residents and pick it up.

Cassie Dutta, Four Paws UK, London