Agenda item

Motion from Councillor Thomas Mulligan - Dog Fouling

With the significant and welcome increase in the number of people walking recently there has been a corresponding and unwelcome increase in incidents of dog fouling on walkways.

While many dog owners behave in an acceptable manner, all dog walkers should carry "Poop Scoops" and dispose of this litter appropriately from walkways. It is particularly objectionable and sociably unacceptable for people to leave this litter on the footpaths of our towns and villages. I don’t wish to discourage outdoor activities and allowances can be made for dog owners who may find it fiscally difficult to clean up after their dogs.

Minutes:

To consider the following Notice of Motion submitted by Councillor Thomas Mulligan;

 

"With the significant and welcome increase in the number of people walking recently there has been a corresponding and unwelcome increase in incidents of dog fouling on walkways.

 

While many dog owners behave in an acceptable manner, all dog walkers should carry "Poop Scoops" and dispose of this litter appropriately from walkways. It is particularly objectionable and sociably unacceptable for people to leave this litter on the footpaths of our towns and villages. I don’t wish to discourage outdoor activities and allowances can be made for dog owners who may find it fiscally difficult to clean up after their dogs."

 

Report by Head of Finance & Water Services

 

"Leitrim County Council make all reasonable efforts to ensure pathways and walkways are clear from dog fouling. This includes provision of Dog Waste Bins and Bag Dispensers at strategic locations within the county. There has been a huge increase in numbers of people walking, running and jogging in recent years. There has also been a large increase in numbers of dog-walkers.

 

The Council policy is to deploy dog waste bins, bag dispensers and signage on popular walking routes and paths where this is feasible. These bins are regularly serviced, cleaned and disinfected and the bag dispensers are regularly refilled. This work is carried out under contract by the Leitrim Dog Warden Service.

 

However, the responsibility for dog fouling issues lies firmly with dog owners who do not engage with picking up after their dogs and/or allow their dogs to roam freely unsupervised. The Council currently invests significant resources in the Dog Warden Service. It is our intention to continue to evolve the service in order to meet the demands of our changing society. Particular focus will be on reducing the number of stray dogs through promotion of Responsible Dog Ownership, micro-chipping, licensing, fines for non-compliance and seizure of dogs where necessary.

 

In addition the Council and Dog Warden Service engage in promotion of Responsible Dog Ownership in school and community group settings. The Council and Dog Warden Service undertake leaflet distribution and engage in media coverage on social media, radio and newspaper. Whilst some promotional activities were curtailed due to Covid-19 Restrictions in 2020, it is hoped to engage in more intensive promotion of responsible dog ownership including ‘Picking up After Your Dog’ campaigns  in 2021."

 

 

Councillor Thomas Mulligan stated that is disgusting to see dog foul on a town street or footpath stating it is unacceptable behaviour. 

 

Councillor Paddy O’Rourke said that measures have been taken by erecting signage and bins. Councillor Paddy O’Rourke said that DNA testing of dogs will have to be considered as this initiative is currently in place in areas of London and it is used to prosecute repeat offenders.

 

Councillor Sean McDermott said this is an issue all around the country and he noted that dog waste bins that were made available at some locations have been vandalised.  Councillor McDermott said dog licence fees are not expensive enough.

 

Councillor Felim Gurn highlighted that when public realms and demonstrations stretches are being developed dog foul bins should be included in such works.

 

Councillor Brendan Barry acknowledged Leitrim County Council are doing all they can in this regard and said it is up to the dog owners to act responsibly. He appealed to them to consider wheelchair and buggy users who come  in contact with this and that this is  brought into homes and to consider that it may have an impact on young children’s health.

 

Mr Vincent Dwyer said the ultimate responsibility is with the dog owners and the DNA tool may be a measure that will have to be considered in future.

 

Cathaoirleach, Councillor Mary Bohan appealed to people when they are out walking to take responsibility for their dogs.