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capable of producing illness in man, it is seldom that cases of
human disease can positively be related to infections originating
from this source. Nevertheless, such instances do occur and the
potential risk cannot be ignored. Certainly dog filth is an
attraction to flies and blowflies, with consequent possibilities of
conveyance of infection.
The main objection, however, to the fouling of pavements and
grass verges by dog excreta is the nauseating revulsion, embarrassment
and distress caused by chance pollution of shoes, clothing, mats and
carpets, necessitating disgusting and time-consuming cleansing
operations.
The Council's byelaw dealing with this nuisance provides
that:-
"No person being in charge of a dog shall allow
the animal to foul the footway of any street or public
place by depositing its excrement thereon. For the
purpose of this byelaw the owner of the dog shall be
deemed to be in charge thereof, unless the Court is
satisfied that at the time when the dog fouled the
footway it had been placed in or taken into the charge
of some other person."
During the year two summonses were issued under this byelaw.
Convictions were obtained and fines totalling £1. 0s. 0d. were imposed
and costs amounting to £1. 1s. 0d. were awarded to the Council. In
a third case, the Public Health Committee decided to send a warning
letter.
WELFARE OF OLD PEOPLE
The Council have accepted the responsibility, within their
powers, for co-ordinating and assisting in the extension of activities
for aged persons and to alleviate unsatisfactory conditions under which
many old people are living.
Co-operation with voluntary bodies interested in the welfare
of old people is effected wherever possible. In order that action
taken shall be uniform, the Kensington Old People's Welfare Voluntary
Committee act as an intermediary between the Council and the voluntary
bodies. Four members of the Public Health Committee serve on the Old
People's Welfare Voluntary Committee which acts as a co-ordinating nonexecutive
Committee through which voluntary bodies claim assistance
from the Council and through which the Council pass requests for
executive action.
Advice Leaflets
The Council arrange for the distribution of a pamphlet
giving information of the services available to old people individually
or through a club.
S.O.S. Cards
Window display cards are provided by the Council, bearing the
letters "S.O.S" in red on one side and, on the reverse side, directions
how to use the card, with space for particulars of next-of-kin or
nearest relative. These cards are distributed to appropriate old
people. Any person seeing one of the cards in a window is able to
summon help from one of the sources given on the back of the card. The
local press have generously assisted in making this service known.
Grants to Clubs, etc.
Under Section 31 of the National Assistance Act, 1948, the