Where is the scientific basis that men are less likely to pick up after their dog. The sexist dogma in this article seems to be the real problem. Thank you to the two women who offered their misandry outside the bounds of their proscibed expertise.

Bart, Duluth, Minnesota

The editor should be ashamed of themselves for publishing this non-sense. This will only encourage more homeless animals, more animal abuse, and perpetuate ignorance. Carolyn Menteith's comment should be highlighted! A person is more likely to catch a disease from a child than a dog!!!

Amy W, Las Vegas, USA/NV

I have owned a dog most all my life, and never had any health issues with the problem being from my dog. I'm 53 yrs. young, and my dog has never made me sick. I probably make him sick sometimes!! ha!ha! He does get up in my bed early in the morning to say "Good Morning" MOM, and then we start our day,early morning walk,etc., I feel if your dog lives inside the home then certainly he or she is kept clean, and treated as any other family member with plenty of love and respect and therefore shouldn't have any health issues or sicknesses that would be harmful to anyone, that hasn't already been taken care of by their doctor just as you would do for your child if they were sick, or having a problem. I have a friend that was in hospital for a month with" MRSA" and they have 'NO' animals at all, so 'MRSA' comes from even the smallest of germs or cuts that get infected,from your doctor's office(around other sick people),etc.,, So come on-just take good care of your best friend (your dog).

bonnie martin, gloucester, virginia

Biodegradable waste bags for picking up after animals are not too hard to find with a quick search online. Fixed!

Danae, Los Angeles,

Firstly, dog owners should clear up after their dogs on paths, play areas etc. However, if the dog does it off the beaten path - as it were - in the long grass and so forth, then it seems to me to be environmentally unfriendly to then pick up something that would probably naturally degrade without coming into contact with a human and put it in a plastic bag which will go to landfill and not degrade for thousands of years.
Secondly, and more importantly, considering the empty cans, smashed bottles, empty fast food containers, plastic bags and so forth that generally litter the places where I walk my dog, isn't it about time for those that own teenagers to clean up after them too.

David Hadley, Cradley Heath, UK

As it is believed that at any one time between 25 to 30% of the population is carrying MRSA, may be kissing should be banned?!

Rachel, Plymouth,

Nappy sack - does Carolyn have money to burn? All supermarkets provide small free plastic bags to put fruit and vegetables in that form an excellent glove conveniently sized for a male hand.However from time time a variant with ventilation holes is used - these should be avoided..

Bob Robinson, Preston, United Kingdom

Yes clearing up after our dog is right and proper.

How about horse owners clearing up after their equine friends?

Boris, Dorchester, Dorset

Recycle your plastic bags. But who lets dogs lick their face or children's faces. Dogs are dogs and they clean their behind with their tongue. Yuk.

jane, Whittlesey, CAMBRIDGESHIRE

my big black labrador has just passed away after 12 years with me, he was a great friend and companion, slept on my bed and took me for walks, we would go out armed with plastic bags to pick up any mess he would make, I had a better life because of him.My partner had children from previous relationship, and every time they came to see us they had colds and all other sorts of bugs, and i was in more danger of catching a cold or virus by being near them than ever being near a dog. mrsa is caused by people not animals. at least animals keep themselves clean.

chris, worthing, sussex

I remain convinced we are more likely to catch MRSA from hospitals than dogs...Rather than wasting tax payers money on a non-sense research of this nature Defra might like to pass on the research budget to the Department of Health to properly trained the staff on hospital cleaning.

d, London,