More action demanded to tackle dog fouling

A NORTHSIDE TD has called for

“effective

? action to tackle the problem of dog fouling.

Terence Flanagan, an Independent TD for Dublin Bay North, made the call after it was reported that only 13 fines were issued across the four Dublin local authorities in 2014.

Dublin City Council confirmed to Northside People that it issued just two fines for dog litter in its area last year.

Deputy Flanagan said dog fouling was a huge issue of concern for his constituents with the problem getting worse in certain residential areas.

“Dublin City Council has erected a substantial number of anti-dog fouling signs to remind dog owners of their responsibility to clean up after their dog, but I have concerns that these are not effective in tackling the issue,

? he stated.

“It is disgusting to see so much dog fouling on public pavements and that people are subjected to walking through it every day.

“I agree with the council that the responsibility is ultimately the dog owner’s, but I do think resources would be well spent in certain problem areas to step up litter warden patrols.

“I am aware that there is a concern that a person’s proper name and address may not be given when stopped by a warden and this poses a difficulty in fining those who commit offences.

?

Deputy Flanagan believes that other methods should be looked at.

“Perhaps a media campaign highlighting the dangers of dog faeces on a person’s eyesight would shock dog owners into acting more responsibly, similar to the non-smoking campaigns that have been taking place,

? he added.

A spokesman for Dublin City Council said it is working with the other local authorities on raising awareness of the issue.

“Every dog has an owner and it is that owner’s responsibility to clean up after their dog,

? he told Northside People.

“Fines are a very ineffective way of dealing with the issue and the Dublin local authorities believe that it can only be tackled by changing people’s behaviour.

?

Last year, Dublin’s four local authorities 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 began working together to address the problem.

The campaign saw new

‘Bin the Poo’ signs put up in public spaces around the city and county.

The signs highlighted the responsibility of dog owners to clean up after their pets and remind them to

‘leave only paw prints’.