Roscommon County Council continues to receive complaints regularly regarding the issue of dog fouling in the county, ranging from owners not picking up after their dog to those who bag it but leave in on a nearby wall.
With more people out walking and exercising their dogs, the issue of dog fouling has become an escalating problem on our footpaths, parks and open spaces. This can have a huge impact on others who use our public spaces, including children, walkers, wheelchair users and runners.
Dog fouling is a serious health hazard that spoils outdoor spaces for everybody. Dog faeces carry various infections including toxocariasis. Children are most vulnerable to the serious effects of this infection which can result in eye disorders, dizziness, nausea and asthma. This health risk can be prevented if owners clean up immediately after their dogs.
Roscommon County Council is reminding dog owners that they have a responsibility to clean up after their pets. Dog owners are also reminded that failure to pick up after their pet is an offence under the Litter Pollution Act 1997, and could result in an on-the-spot fine of €150, or up to €3,000 on conviction.
To highlight the issue of dog fouling Roscommon County Council launched a new awareness raising campaign in Boyle this week to remind dog owners that they need to pick up after their dogs wherever they are – bag it and bin it!
“The message to all dog walkers is simple – leave your house prepared, with a bag in hand to ensure you play their part in keeping Roscommon clean. If there is no bin on your walking route, you must bring it home for disposal. All owners should ‘Bag it & Bin it’”, according to Jonathan Jones, Environmental Education and Awareness Officer with Roscommon County Council.
