Strict new laws are needed to tackle an increase in dog fouling that has "come to a head" in towns and cities across Ireland during lockdown.
The Mayor of County Cork Mary Linehan-Foley said it is currently too hard to prosecute people for failing to clean up dog poo.
She was speaking as Cork County Council prepares to launch a new education programme in the county’s schools to encourage people to clean up after their dogs.
On The Pat Kenny Show this morning, Mayor Linehan-Foley said dog fouling is a “horrible, horrible issue” that has been on the rise in recent months.
“It has come to a head, I suppose lately, in the sense that so many people have contacted me saying they are bringing it in to their homes and bringing it in on their wheelchairs and their buggies and stuff,” she said. “So, something has to be done about it.
“The laws around it are not that strong in that the litter warden can’t fine somebody unless they actually catch them in the act.”
🐶Our Anti Dog Fouling Committee have been visiting schools in the city to kick-start the 2020 anti dog fouling campaign with the primary schools poster competition which runs until 27 March.
🎨Check out last year's winner by Dalton Caron, St. Anthony's BNS Ballinlough here! pic.twitter.com/mF5kAgfRzu
— Cork City Council #StayHome #StaySafe (@corkcitycouncil) February 18, 2020
She said the problem is growing – even though the local council provides free pooper-scoopers at the council buildings and vets.
“There is really no excuse,” she said. “If you have a dog, you are responsible for that dog and you are responsible to pick up its poo.”
A sign shows it is prohibited to let your dog foul, 02-04-2013. Image: Ton Koene/DPA/PA ImagesShe said she believes it is now time to introduce regulations like those in parts of Europe - where people can be fined for not carrying a poo bag if they are walking their dog.
“I think the fine should be quite strong,” she said. “At the end of the day maybe €100 or €150, which is the way it is now, but there is not a lot of fines being issued for dog fouling because people have to be caught in the act for proof.
“There has been quite a lot gone to court but if you don’t have the evidence or the litter warden doesn’t catch them in the act, basically, there is no way they are going to get fined for it.”
Bins
She admitted that more bins could be provided in certain areas – but insisted that this will not address the issue.
“At the same time, you don’t want beautiful scenic areas covered in bins either,” she said.
“Even if you put bins on every edge of a footpath in certain areas, it wouldn’t matter. There is still poo on the footpath and there could be a bin a few metres up ahead of it.
“I just think it is about getting the message out and educating people on the dangers number one and maybe getting the schools involved.”
