City Council wages war on dog litter

Galway City Council wardens are hitting the streets next week with an education campaign to get dog owners to clean up after their pooches.

The ‘Take the Lead’ campaign was run last year with a noticeable reduction in dog fouling for a time around the city and outlying suburbs.

Speakers erected on the Prom in Salthill and in Ballyloughane Beach in Renmore reminding passersby of their responsibility to remove pet droppings have proven to be effective since last year.

This is the next stage in the war against dog dirt, with a month-long campaign involving handing out a free booklet about responsible pet ownership and community wardens dispatched to key locations to engage with the public.

Council staff will also be handing out pooper scoopers and mutt mitts free of charge to dog owners.

Advertisements will be run over the airwaves and in the local papers with appropriate signage fitted to bins in the city centre.

Further reminders will be added through stensils on the footpaths and pole-mounted signs.

Fiona Coen of the council’s environment department said there was great feedback last year after a similar campaign.

“Dog fouling is an issue that has been on top of people’s mind as the worst form of litter and has been one of the top issues of complaint from members of the public in recent times. It spoils walkways and amenities and represents a significant health hazard, especially to children.”

Mayor Donal Lyons said with the advent of spring, dog owners needed to be reminded of their duties.

“We are very fortunate in Galway City to have so many beautiful parks and walkways which can be very busy at times, especially if the weather is nice, so this is an ideal time to remind dog owners and walkers that they must clean up after their dog and be a responsible dog owner,” he said.

Cllr Niall McNelis said there was only so much that the council can do to thwart dog fouling.

“Dog owners who do not abide by the rules and by laws continue to make this an issue that keeps being brought up and using resources that could be put to better use in the community,” he complained.

“I hope those that have a dog, like myself, will play their part and take the lead.”

Fines of €150 face those who fail to pick up after their dog. But enforcing dog fouling fines have proven near impossible for local authorities across the country, due to the failure of witnesses to attend court and in identifying the owners.