'Fines are needed' to curb dog fouling problem in Tipperary

The problem of dog fouling in public areas will persist until such time as fines are issued, Cllr Pat English stated at a meeting of Clonmel Borough District.

Many dog owners were responsible but there was a cohort who didn’t clean up after their pets. Dog dirt could be seen around schools and churches where a lot of people walked, he said.

Cllr Siobhán Ambrose said some good inspections had been carried out early in the morning on a trial basis in Cashel and she hoped the same could be done in Clonmel to help increase awareness.

Dog fouling was a particular problem for wheelchair users and people with children in buggies.

Cllr John FitzGerald said that this was a big issue and a serious problem in the town. He asked council staff to have a look at the introduction of a public strategy in this regard.

The dog population had increased and there’s a dog in nearly every house, he said.

District Mayor Richie Molloy said that some kind of awareness campaign was needed because this was a big issue.

If the council provided more bins for dog waste it would be a good way of reminding people to clean up. Bags for the disposal of dog waste were available free of charge from the council offices, he said.

Denis Holland, of Tipperary County Council’s Environment and Climate Action section, said an integrated approach was needed. This would include an increase in public awareness, enforcement and the provision of bags and bins.

He said that the points made by the members would be taken on board.