Council to crack down on disgusting dog poo problem

SOUTH Dublin County Council is developing a renewed

‘Dog Fouling Awareness Campaign’ as part of a new Litter Management Plan (LMP).

The council will be running the campaign alongside a public consultation period in May.

The issue was raised at the recent Rathfarnham/Templeougue and Terenure Area Committee meeting by Cllr Sarah Holland (SF), who asked dog owners to be more responsible.

“My daughter and I walk along the Grange Road every morning on our way to school and we spend a bit of time skipping over piles of dog poo,

? she revealed.

“It’s lovely to see kids walking their dogs down to the school, but not so nice to see the little piles dotting the road.

?

Cllr Holland added:

“I’m delighted that the council are taking a proactive response and will be tackling dog fouling as part of the Litter Management Plan, but owners also need to take responsibility for this.

?

Cllr Holland had proposed a motion at the meeting that the council agree to erect dog fouling signs on the Grange Road, Tara Hill and in Longwood Estate.

In her proposal to the council Cllr Holland said a lot of parents bring their dogs to the Loreto school every morning and afternoon but

“there is never a day when myself and my daughter don’t have to avoid dog poo

?.

“The bin at the corner of Longwood and Grange Road was one day surrounded by poo filled bags which was even more disgusting than the poo itself as they couldn’t biodegrade.

?

In response the council stated that there was

“no excuse

? for dogowners leaving bags beside bins.

“Under Section 22 of the Litter Pollution Act 1997 it is an offence to allow a dog under to foul a public place,

? the council replied.

“This means the owner or person in charge of dog is required by law to remove dog foul and dispose of it in a suitable, sanitary manner.

“This includes any public road or footpath, school or sports ground, recreational area and the immediate surrounds of another person’s house.

?

The council added that dog foul signs had been erected in the area and that the specific locations referred to in Cllr Holland’s motion would be examined for suitability for erection of additional signage.