Laois dog owners to be fined for leaving poo in housing estates
Laois dog owners have been freshly warned that they will be fined for leaving poo behind in housing estates, as well as in parks and on the streets.
Law breakers could be hit with fines of up to €2,500, with the public invited to call the litter hotline if they see an offence taking place.
Laois County Council has launched a new Anti Dog Fouling campaign in Portlaoise and for the whole county this March.
They aim to promote responsible dog ownership and encourage dog owners to clean up after their dogs.
"The issue of dog fouling 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 brighter evenings," say staff in the Environment section.
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Dog owners are again reminded to always pick up after their dog, using their own bags or a Mutt Mitts bag, provided free in dispensers around the county. Throw in the nearest litter bin or take it home to dump in a general waste household bin.
There are fines for those who break the law.
"Dog owners 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. 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."
If anyone see someone allowing their dog to foul in a public place without cleaning up after them, they can call and report them on the Laois Litter Hotline, in confidence, on 1800 32 32 30.