Power lines

FINE Gael Councillor Mary Howard has called on Clare County Council to crack down on dog fouling by introducing new measures to deal with the problem.

She suggested that plain clothes dog wardens be employed to patrol known dog fouling black spots and a scheme where members of the public receive a financial award for snapping images of dog owners not picking up after their pooches.

“Everywhere you go there is dog fouling. I am dealing with people getting it on buggies, wheelchairs and their shoes,” Cllr Howard said.

Cllr Howard pointed out that these measures sound like extreme action, but as identification and prosecution are often unlikely, they should be considered.

“We have done the softly softly approach, it’s time to get tough on this,” she added.

Fianna Fail Councillor Cathal Crowe commented that people think he has a “wobbly walk” as he has to avoid dog faeces on the footpath so much.

He pointed out that dog faeces is dangerous due to the amount of bacteria it contains and has the potential to cause blindness.

“I think anyone who doesn’t pick up after dog is negligent,” Cllr Crowe added.

Clare County Council Director of Physical Development Carmel Kirby confirmed that the Environment Section Enforcement Team is exploring the option of locating CCTV cameras at particular black-spots to identify those not complying with the law.

“The majority of people walking dogs in public spaces are conscientious about picking up dog litter, and can help get the message out to others when leading by example.

“Where education and awareness does not work Clare County Council has a number of enforcement options available to regulate poor and unacceptable behaviour,” Ms Kirby said.

She pointed out that Clare County Council has commenced an initiative in Lahinch to target those who are not conscientious and two fines have issued recently to individuals where they failed to clean up after their dogs.

Over 600 people have signed up to be Green Dog Walkers, a non-confrontational, friendly initiative that aims to raise awareness of dog owner responsibilities in relation to cleaning up after their dog.

Volunteers wear a high-viz vest with “Leave only Pawprints” written on the back, carry extra dog waste bags, are happy to give a dog waste bag to those without and to be a friendly reminder to other dog walkers to clean up after their dogs.

Related News

lislarkin 1
Liscannor flooding causing concern
kilkishen village speed signs
Councillors worried new limits won't curb speeding habits
brendan o'regan vincent delaney tim crowe 1
Bronze bust of O'Regan unveiled at Old Ground Hotel
7
Physical vs personal energy- what’s your vibe?
Latest News
3
Rory roars to victory at Pebble Beach
kilkishen village speed signs
Councillors worried new limits won't curb speeding habits
teddy o'hanlon helen downey paul hayes 1
New officers ‘drive-in’ at East Clare and Gort
euros coins 1
Ghana native jailed for rape of teenager pleads guilty to three money laundering offences
brendan o'regan vincent delaney tim crowe 1
Bronze bust of O'Regan unveiled at Old Ground Hotel
Premium
drumbiggle encapment 1
Illegal encampment takes over Council car park
clare v leitrim 02-05-25 peter keane 1
Rule on three back 'frustrating' for Keane as he stresses importance of home wins
scool corofin protest 22-05-23 10
Leaving Cert student pleads guilty to assaulting man at protest against rumoured new accommodation for asylum seekers in Corofin
stflannans staff
HSE given deadline over planned €25m hospitals for lands at St Flannan's College
bridge utd v dungarvan utd 02-05-25 liam buckley 5
Bridge Utd book Munster Junior Cup quarter-final spot

Subscribe for just €3 per month

If you’re here, you care about County Clare. So do we. Did you rely on us for Covid-19 updates, follow our election coverage, or visit The Clare Echo every week for breaking news and sport? The Clare Echo invests in local journalism and we want to safeguard its future in our county. By becoming a subscriber you are supporting what we do, will receive access to all our premium articles and a better experience, while helping us improve our offering to you. Subscribe to clareecho.ie and get the first six months for just €3 a month (less than 75c per week), and thereafter €8 per month. Cancel anytime, limited time offer. T&Cs Apply. www.clareecho.ie.

Subscribe for just €3 per month

If you’re here, you care about County Clare. So do we. Did you rely on us for Covid-19 updates, follow our election coverage, or visit The Clare Echo every week for breaking news and sport? The Clare Echo invests in local journalism and we want to safeguard its future in our county. By becoming a subscriber you are supporting what we do, will receive access to all our premium articles and a better experience, while helping us improve our offering to you. Subscribe to clareecho.ie and get the first six months for just €3 a month (less than 75c per week), and thereafter €8 per month. Cancel anytime, limited time offer. T&Cs Apply. www.clareecho.ie.

Scroll to Top