Mayo sports clubs unite in stand against dog fouling on grounds

A MAYO football club has issued an appeal to dog owners about pets fouling and running around unaccompanied.

Ballinrobe Town AFC has spoken out on behalf of all users of The Green and the town parks, saying 'enough is enough: Our players and volunteers have had enough'.

Dog fouling, the club pointed out in a social media post, creates a health hazard for children.

From now on unaccompanied dogs seen wandering around or fouling will be photographed, shared on social media and, if necessary, reported to the dog warden.

They pledged: 'If you walk your dog and allow it onto the pitches or don't pick up after your dog on the path, you will reported to the litter warden.'

Ballinrobe Rugby Club have voiced their support, saying they 'wholeheartedly stand with Ballinrobe Town AFC on this issue'.

A club statement set out: 'It is incredibly disheartening for players, coaches, and volunteers to arrive at the pitch ready for training and matches, only to find it covered in dog fouling. As the soccer club have stated, this is not just unpleasant; it’s a serious health risk to our children, players, and community members.

'Our volunteers give their time freely to maintain and improve our facilities. It is simply not their responsibility to clean up after irresponsible dog owners.

'We will be working alongside the soccer club on this matter, and we too will be reporting to the wardens where necessary.'