Step up in poo patrols as fouling issue raised

Wardens set to monitor Killaloe amenities with more dogs out and about in summer

DOG fouling in East Clare is generating a huge number of complaints, according to the Cathaoirleach of the Killaloe Municipal District.
Councillor Pat Hayes tabled a motion on the matter at the recent district meeting when he called for urgent action.
“This is something that’s cropped up a lot because of the numbers of people out with dogs in recent times,” he said.
“It’s a challenge we need to deal with because the amount of complaints is huge. There’s nothing as upsetting for those using buggies and wheelchairs. It leaves a very bad impression of a wonderful day at one of our public amenities.”
The Fianna Fáil member said that while the issue is a county-wide one, there are areas that are particularly badly hit in the Killaloe district.
“Some people are recklessly letting their dogs off, for example at Two-Mile Gate and in public parks,” he noted.
“I have no problem as long as people take the trouble to go and clean up after their dogs.”
The Caher-based representative noted a reply from the council which highlighted a recent social media campaign on dog litter, but he insisted that ongoing action is needed.
“We’re hearing of DNA testing of dog poo by a number of other councils,” he said.
“This is a daily complaint from members of the public. You’d have a bad experience if you stood in it and then got into the car. You wouldn’t forget it for a while afterwards.”
The motion was seconded by Councillor Alan O’Callaghan who said the problem is creating a public hazard.
“At one stage, you’d have eight to ten dogs wandering,” he noted. “Nowadays they’re under control, but there are still some owners who aren’t responsible and who aren’t cleaning up. It is dangerous for children playing in the grass and it’s not possible to go around watching dogs to see what’s coming out and who’s cleaning up.”
Councillor Joe Cooney said credit is due to the many responsible dog owners.
“There are still a handful that aren’t cleaning up,” he said. “It’s the dog owner that’s at fault, not the dog himself. A number of organisations, including the GAA, have put up signage and I’m wondering what the situation is with fines.”
Councillor Hayes noted, “There is a difficulty in proving who has been guilty of the offence.”
Senior Executive Officer (SEO) Morgan Lahiffe agreed that the problem is county-wide and difficult to manage.
He welcomed a written response from Cyril Feeney, Senior Engineer, with Environment and Water Services, which highlighted the council’s dog fouling campaign.
“There is a growing education campaign for dog owners,” Mr Lahiffe said. “They’re getting much better. Fines are issued, but the problem is that someone has to be present to see the law being broken. This summer, we’ll be asking the Environment Section for regular patrols at locations including Two-Mile Gate.”
Mr Feeney’s response noted that Clare, Cork, Limerick and Tipperary local authorities recently collaborated on a new social media campaign to combat dog litter.
“Everyone has an experience of stepping in it or wheeling in it for example with buggies, wheelchairs and 
bikes,” the reply stated.
“The campaign emphasises the importance for dog owners of always controlling their dog and not allowing them to roam freely and leaving dog poo in public spaces.
“It also addresses the importance of bringing home your dog’s poo waste if there are no public bins or if the public bins are full,” it added.
“In addition to this recent and previous media awareness campaigns the Environment Section Community Wardens are also empowered to issue fines in relation to dog fouling wherever they encounter such an activity.
“The wardens will be actively patrolling our amenity and tourism sites throughout the holiday season.”