Calls for stronger action on dog fouling across Mayo

Mayo County Council has been urged to step up its efforts to tackle dog fouling, with councillors and SPC committee members raising concerns over the visibility of litter wardens, faded pavement stencils and the provision of dog waste bins.

The issue was raised at a recent council meeting, where officials outlined the authority’s ongoing public awareness campaigns, enforcement measures and plans to update dog fouling signage to reflect the increased €250 fine.

The council confirmed that dog fouling is an offence under the Litter Pollution Act 1997, with complaints investigated by its Litter Warden Service.

Members of the public reporting incidents are encouraged to provide as much information as possible, including the date, time and location of the alleged offence, details of the dog owner where known, and supporting evidence such as photographs.

Councillor Peter Flynn said the vast majority of dog owners acted responsibly but stressed that a small minority continued to create problems for the wider community.

“I would say 98 or 99 per cent of dog owners do the right thing when it comes to bringing their dogs out for a walk, bringing their little doggy bags with them and ensuring that they take it away,” he said.

However, he highlighted the particular difficulties faced by people pushing buggies, wheelchair users and those with visual impairments.

"I'm always conscious of people with buggies, people in wheelchairs and people who are visually impaired, who don't realise that they're actually going through dog poo, bringing it into their houses and so on."

He said efforts should focus on addressing the behaviour of the small minority who failed to clean up after their dogs, while continuing to promote responsible dog ownership.

Councillor Donna Sheridan welcomed the council's awareness campaign but questioned the availability of dog waste bins and bags at popular walking locations.

She said facilities previously provided around Lough Lannagh had been particularly useful, especially for dog owners who occasionally forgot to bring bags with them.

Cliona Boland, an SPC committee member, questioned the level of enforcement being carried out on the ground, asking how many litter wardens were assigned to each Municipal District and how much time they spent on patrol.

She said dog fouling was also a significant concern for businesses in towns across the county, as it could negatively affect customers and other pedestrians using local footpaths.

Ms Boland also raised concerns about dog fouling stencils previously painted on footpaths in Ballina, which have since faded to the point where they are barely visible.

She said she had contacted the relevant Municipal District seeking to have the markings reinstated but had yet to receive a response.

In response, council officials stated there were three litter wardens in Castlebar, two in Claremorris and three in Ballina. She further stated they would raise the matter regarding the stencilling with the relevant Municipal District and report back.