by Alan Jacques
DESPITE dog fouling being one of Limerick councillors’ favourite topics of discussion, only two litter fines were issued by the local authority last year to pet owners who failed to clean up after their animals.
Of the two litter fines issued in relation to dog fouling in 2014, neither were paid and legal proceedings were not initiated.
Surprising, considering the issue of dog fouling comes up at almost every other council meeting.
However, Limerick City and County Council is now stepping up its campaign to encourage dog owners to clean up after their animals when they foul in public areas.
Environmental control officers and council officials will be out in force over the coming weeks speaking to dog walkers and advising them to carry bags and clean up after their dog. They will also distribute dog bags and deliver the message that failure to clean up after a dog is an offence under the Litter Pollution Act.
Welcoming the initiative, Mayor Kevin Sheahan called on all dog owners to act responsibly.
“Many dog owners already clean up after their pets but not all do and we need to get the message out there that everyone needs to have respect for their neighbourhood. If you own a dog, you need to care for them but you also need to do that extra bit and pick up after them if they foul. Dog waste sticks to shoes, buggies and bicycles and is very difficult to clean”, he explained.
Mairead O’Donovan, Administrative Officer with the Council’s Environment Department, said that failing to clean up after your dog is an offence under the Litter Pollution Acts.
“Pooper scoop bags are available in supermarkets, pet shops and in some of the euro/deal shops. Dog litter bags can be bought as cheaply as €1 for 100. People may also use nappy sacks, reused plastic bags or something similar. Basically any bag will do as long as you pick it up”, she said.
