Laois council sets out to tackle 'escalating' dog problem

A new Laois campaign is set to be launched to encourage dog owners to clean up after their dogs.

Laois County Council will launch its county-wide anti-dog fouling campaign in Pairc an Phobail, Portlaoise, to promote responsible dog ownership and tackle the problem.

In a statement to the Leinster Express / Laois Live the local authority says the issue is an ongoing and escalating problem on footpaths, parks and open spaces in Portlaoise and around the county, as people are out walking more in the summer evenings.

The Council is urging dog owners to always pick up after their dog using their own scooping device or bag, or one of the free dog poo bags provided around the county, before disposing of it in the nearest litter bin or taking it home and placing it in their own general household bin.

Laois County Council says it promotes an “any bag, any bin” philosophy and reminds dog owners that they are legally obliged to clean up after their pets if they go to the toilet in public places e.g. on the street, in an open green space in a housing estate or in a park.

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The local authority warns that failure to do so may result in the offender being issued with an on-the-spot fine of €150 or on summary conviction to a fine of up to €3,000, under Litter Pollution Act 1997.

Members of the public are also reminded that if they see someone allowing their dog to foul in a public place without cleaning up after them, they can call the Laois Litter Hotline, in confidence, on 1800 32 32 30.

The campaign launch takes place on Friday, August 1.