Council helping to scoop the poop

DOG owners are being urged to clean up their act when it comes to ‘scooping the poop’. Ennis Town Council are launching personal poop-scoop dispensers, which will be available for free, making it easier for pet owners to ensure they can always clean up after their dog.
One of the objectives of Ennis Town Council’s Litter Management Plan is to work in partnership with the Dog Warden Service to introduce initiatives to reduce the fouling of public places by dogs. At the January meeting of Ennis Town Council, it was agreed, by the elected members, that a renewed effort would be undertaken to remind dog owners of their responsibility regarding dog fouling.
Leonard Cleary, town clerk, explained, “As part of its Anti-Litter Awareness campaign 2011/2012, Ennis Town Council is now launching personal poop scoop dispensers. These fit directly on to a dog lead so dog owners won’t forget to bring them with them.  Ennis Town Council environmental wardens will be working closely with dog owners by providing free dispensers.    Particular attention will be paid to the blackspot areas, such as Fairgreen, Lees Road Sports and Amenity Park and the town centre.”
Mayor of Ennis, Councillor Michael Guilfoyle welcomed the initiative saying, “Dog fouling is a serious business. Not only does it spoil the environment for everybody else but it is also a serious health hazard, especially to children playing in open spaces. If you have a dog, it is up to you as a responsible citizen to keep the environment safe and clean up when your dog fouls in a public place.”
Ennis Town Council has reminded the public that failure to clean up after your dog fouls will mean you are liable to be fined €150 under the Litter Pollution Act 1997”.
The dispensers are available to dog owners from the customer services section of Ennis Town Council, Waterpark House, Drumbiggle Road, Ennis. They are also available from the dog pound, Gort Road, Ennis.