Campaign launched to combat dog fouling

DUBLIN’S four local authorities have launched a summer campaign to combat dog fouling on beaches, parks and streets.

As part of the campaign, entitled #YourDogYourPoop, Dublin City Council, Fingal County Council, South Dublin County Council and Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council will be working together to address the problem which affects streets, parks and open spaces across Dublin city and county.

The campaign will see new

‘Bin the Poo’ signs put up in public spaces around the city and county. The signs highlight the responsibility of dog owners to clean up after their pets and remind them to

‘leave only paw prints’.

The four local authorities expect to erect 3,000 signs over the course of the year. The signs can be viewed at www.dlrcoco.ie

Each local authority will also broadcast an audio message at two public locations asking dog owners to dispose of their dog waste responsibly. The message has been trialled successfully by Fingal County Council.

Speaking at the campaign launch, Lord Mayor of Dublin, Cllr Christy Burke, said dogs are the responsibility of their owners and not cleaning up after them is absolutely unacceptable.

“Dublin City Council is asking all dog owners to play their part this summer by always cleaning up after their dog,

? he said.

Also speaking at the launch, Fingal Mayor, Mags Murray, said:

“This summer, Fingal’s beautiful parks and beaches will be very busy so this is an ideal time to remind dog owners and walkers that they must clean up after their dog.

“Your dog is your responsibility and not cleaning up after your dog is against the law.

?

The Fingal Mayor also pointed out the importance of the role the public have in reporting dog fouling to help the council issue more fines.

“Most people agree that awareness campaigns and better signs will have a greater impact on changing dog owners’ behaviour but we are still keen to issue fines when we can,

? Cllr Murray added.

“We encourage members of the public to call the freefone number with as much information to identify incidents of dog fouling in public areas.

?

In November 2013, a new hotline number was launched for Dubliners to report dog fouling issues – 1800 251 500. This information was used to identify dog fouling

‘blackspots’ and these areas will be targeted for the new signage.