Only eight fines have been issued by Clare County Council in relation to dog fouling over the past five years.
The local authority says the Waste Enforcement Team is aware of the dog-fouling issue throughout the county and efforts are ongoing in trying to encourage dog-owners to clean up after their dog.
Figures released to Clare FM show that only 1 fine relating to dog fouling was issued each year between 2018 and last year, with the exception of 2021, when people were fined on 4 occasions that year.
4 of the fines were issued in the West Clare Municipal District, with 3 in the Ennis MD and 1 in Killaloe.
All 8 fines were paid, resulting in the collection of €1,200 by the local authority.
No fines have been issued in Clare so far this year.
Clare County Council says numerous initiatives have been put in place to discourage dog-fouling and that fines will be issued where there’s sufficient evidence available to enforce the Litter Pollution Act.
Measures include patrols by the Waste Enforcement Team at various locations throughout the county and the erection of signage at locations where fouling is an issue.
Free dog litter bags are also available at Council offices and other locations across the county, while the ‘Bag It Bin It’ stencils have been used on popular walking routes.
Clare County Council is reassuring that the Waste Enforcement Team will use all tools available to eradicate the ongoing problem with dog fouling across the county.
The local authority says while most dog-owners are law-abiding; it will continue to highlight the issue and aim to change the behaviour of dog-owners who flout the law and fail to comply with good dog-owner responsibilities.
Statement From Clare County Council
The Waste Enforcement Team is aware of the dog-fouling issue throughout the county; efforts are ongoing in trying to encourage dog-owners to clean up after their dog.
Numerous initiatives are in place to discourage dog-fouling and ensure that public areas are kept free of dog-foul; these measures include:
-Patrols by the Waste Enforcement Team at various locations throughout the county and reminding dog-owners of their responsibilities. Erection of signage at locations where dog-fouling is an issue.
-Enforcement of the Litter Pollution Act and the issuing of fines where sufficient evidence is available.
-Use of local media and social media forums to promote responsible dog ownership. A dog littering awareness campaign, “Your Dog-Your Walk-Your County”, was launched in April 2021. This was specifically designed to remind dog-owners take responsibility for their dog’s litter.
-Weekly slots on Clare FM to promote dog control and owner responsibility.
-Provision of free dog litter bags at Council offices and other locations throughout the county.
-Provision of free dog litter bags from various dispensers throughout the county.
-Use of stencils on popular walking routes to remind dog-owners of their responsibilities; “Bag it Bin it” logo marked on footpath. This measure was introduced to communicate information to dog-owners while out walking.
Issuing of written correspondence where dog-fouling is an issue.
-Delivering “Green Dog Walker” campaign in conjunction with individuals and voluntary community groups – https://www.clarecoco.ie/services/environment/education-and-awareness/green-dog-walkers/. Green Dog Walker packs are available to communities as a tool to promote within their own community.
-Clare County Council teamed up with the creators of internet animation series “Sminky Animation” which aims to change dog-owner behaviour in relation to dog litter. This animation went viral on social media. This animation is also used to promote dog-owner responsibility in cinemas.
-Supporting Dogs Trust in raising awareness of this issue. Workshops are organised in schools and libraries at various times.
-Engaging with the Dog Warden to assist with patrols.
The Waste Enforcement Team will use all tools available to eradicate this ongoing problem.
We do realise that most dog-owners are law-abiding; we will continue to highlight the issue and aim to change the behaviour of dog-owners who flout the law and fail to comply with good dog-owner responsibilities.
