ALMOST 70 per cent of dog owners in Worcestershire admit they do not always pick up their pets mess, research has revealed.

A study by Novartis Animal Health showed seven out of ten owners said they often left their dog’s mess where it was dropped.

The majority – four out of five – of those surveyed also agreed the amount of dog mess left on the ground was a real problem in Worcestershire while 66 per cent said they saw faeces while out walking their own pet almost every day.

The organisation has warned that dogs can pick up worms from other animals mess – and that this can be passed from pet to human.

With less than two thirds of owners saying they worm their dog at least every three months as recommended by experts, members of Novartis’ Maximum Worming team will be on hand at the Royal Three Counties Show in Malvern next weekend offering advice and free poo bags.

Spokesman Kingsley Baxendale said: “A lot of responsible pet owners are getting really fed up and frustrated with the problem of dog mess.

“There is a simple two-fold message for pet owners – clean up your dog’s mess and get your pets, both cats and dogs, wormed regularly with a vet strength wormer.”