Dogged councillors make move to halt street fouling - New byelaw to be introduced to place onus on pet owners

Tuesday, 17 January 2012 14:59

CASTLEBAR Town Council has become the first local authority in the country to agree to the implementation of a byelaw to tackle the problem of dogs fouling footpaths.

Elected members have initiated procedures to make it compulsory to pet owners to bring a poop scoop when them when bringing their canine friends for a walk.

However, they opposed a motion by Councillor Noreen Heston to ban dogs from local cemeteries to stop them defecating on graves.

The Fine Gael representative argued the situation had got out of control and radical measures were needed to deal with it.

“It is just not acceptable what’s going on. We have to start getting touch once and for all.”

Councillor Harry Barrett agreed that a graveyard was not a place for dogs, where they are on a lead or not.

“We have got to get around to erecting signs around the town to remind dog owners of their responsibilities. It’s gone beyond a joke.”

Councillor Thérése Ruane stated the problem had become one of the biggest talking points in the town.

“The simple fact of the matter is we are not taking it as seriously as other countries where it is illegal to take a day for a walk without carrying a bag and cleaning up after them.

“But it’s not about penalising dog owners, it’s about people living up to their responsibilities.”

Councillor Ger Deere said it was one of the problems that consistently frustrated members of the local Tidy Towns Committee.

“People have to start showing more civic pride. It’s the only way of addressing the problem.”

Councillor Michael Kilcoyne said there is no point adopting a byelaw if it is not going to be enforced.

Councillor Brendan Heneghan stated there were plenty of open green spaces in Castlebar where people could bring and walk their dogs.

Seamus Granahan, town manager, said there was a need to highlight the responsibilities that dog owners had.

“We will definitely consider writing to all registered dog owners to outline their obligations,” he added.