A novel Mayo plan to address 'dog issues'

A LOT of issues with dogs, including fouling in public areas, might be alleviated with the creation of a park for dogs.

A fenced-off park would allow the animals to get plenty of exercise and, provided there were bins located in the area, the owners could dispose of waste.

Councillor John O'Hara proposed the idea after highlighting a problem around Ballina and other areas with dog fouling.

Speaking today's meeting of Ballina Municipal District, he said there is a problem with a lack of bins in many areas, meaning owners often have nowhere to put waste once they do the responsible thing and clean up after their dogs.

Senior executive engineer Theresa Durkin said the park was an interesting idea but funding was an issue.

Outside of that, if there are no bins in an area where owners are walking dogs, it's their responsibility to bring fouling home and dispose of it.