Only one fine was issued for dog fouling in Clare last year, a decreasing number compared to years before.
By Dearbhla Parry
2024 and 2023 show the lowest number of dog fouling fines issued in Clare over a four-year period with four in 2021, two in 2022, one in 2023, and one in 2024.
Dog fouling is the act of failing to clean up your dog’s waste in a public area. It is a public safety issue and can pose health concerns for both children and adults. People who are blind or vision impaired and use mobility aids are particularly at risk. Councils are tasked with tackling the scourge of dog fouling, but overall, an extremely low number of fines are issued to people for not cleaning up after their dogs.
Data gathered by Vision Ireland has revealed that just 48 dog fouling fines nationwide were issued by Local Authorities in 2024, a significant decrease from the 82 fines issued in 2022.
Cork County Council led the way in 2024 with 11 fines, while most Local Authorities issued just one or two. 14 Local Authorities, almost half of the total, issued zero fines for dog fouling last year.
Vision Ireland have launched a Clear Our Paths campaign to raise awareness of everyday obstacles faced on footpaths, including dog waste, and is urging the public to take action. Vision Ireland are imploring dog owners to act responsibly and consider other users of shared footpaths, including people who are blind or vision impaired.
To mark Clear Our Paths, a survey of 281 people who are blind or vision impaired explored the issue of footpath obstacles. Vision Ireland found that 42% of respondents were impacted by dog waste in public spaces on a frequent basis.
One respondent said, “Dog fouling gets all over my cane and shoes, and a lot of the time I don’t realise. If I’m folding up my cane, it will get on my hands which is embarrassing and disgusting, and it would be much easier if an owner picks up after their dog”.
Kevin Kelly, Head of Policy and External Affairs at Vision Ireland said, “People going about their day should be able to do so freely, but we know from the 21,000 fines issued in 2024 that there are countless hazards on Irish footpaths. Fines alone are not the answer, and we urge the public to be more considerate of the needs of everyone who uses our shared spaces”.
