This article is from page 10 of the 2013-05-07 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 10 JPG
ENNIS Town Council has warned that dog owners who do not clean up after their animals who foul in public areas will be fined and prosecuted under the Litter Pollution Act.
Environmental wardens will be renewing efforts to combat dog fouling around the town by actively targeting blackspot areas over the coming weeks, the local authority said.
The public are also being encouraged to report, in confidence, to Ennis Town Council any offences they see being committed.
“Dog fouling is an issue that has been on top of people’s mind as the worst form of litter and has been one of the top issues of complaint from members of the public in recent times,” explained environmental warden Gerry Murphy.
Mr Murphy noted that dog owners are responsible for cleaning up after their pets in public areas but some are ignoring their responsibilities. He added that dog waste is not only a nuisance but can carry diseases which can be harmful to humans.
He continued, “The council is keen to promote the message that allowing your dog to foul in a public area and then not picking it up is simply unacceptable. Failing to clean up after your dog is the same as littering and is an offence under the Litter Pollution Acts. If you do not clean up after your dog you could face an on the spot fine of € 150 or up to a maximum fine of € 3,000 in court for each offence.”
“In January 2012, Ennis Town Council launched Personal Poop Scoop Dispensers which are available free of charge to dog owners from Ennis Town Council offices and the Dog Pound on the Gort Road in Ennis.
“These dispensers, which fit directly on to a dog lead so dog owners will not forget to bring them with them, are being made available so as to help dog owners to meet their civic duty not to cause a mess when exercising their pets,” Mr Murphy concluded.
To report littering contact Ennis Town Council’s Environment Section at 065 6828040. For further information contact www.ennistowncouncil.ie.