'Escalating' hazardous dog fouling problem in Laois leads to council campaign

A new Laois campaign launched to encourage dog owners to clean up after their dogs says the problem is on the rise in the county and warns dog owners that they can face a €3000 fine for not disposing of waste that is hazardous to humans.

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.

The council provide several Mutt Mitt Stations where bags can be availed of free of charge. This initiative is done in conjunction with Laois Tidy Towns.

The local authority says dogs are known to be carriers of campylobacter and other bacteria which can prove a health hazard to humans. It says the main danger to health in dog faeces is the presence of the eggs of Toxocara Canis, or dog roundworm. Once in the human body the larvae of these eggs can cause extreme fever and illness and severe damage to organs.  MORE BELOW PHOTO.

Launching the Anti Dog Fouling Campaign in the People’s Park Portlaoise. Back, from left: Dave Eustace, Litter Warden; Carmel McNicholl, Director of Services, Laois County Council; Geraldine Wren, LCC; Evelyn Brownrigg, LCC; Martin Kells, Chairperson of the Laois Federation Tidy Towns; Doreen Gowing, Portlaoise Tidy Towns and Emily Doyle, Litter Warden. Seated Cathaoirleach of Laois County Council Cllr Barry Walsh and Laois Dog Wardens Holly Harte with Loki and Tristan Blundell.   Photo: Alf Harvey.

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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.