Athlone town clerk, John Walsh, has agreed to have notices erected in the town’s public parks to inform dog owners of their responsibilities.
People who walk their dogs in Burgess Park, Beechpark West, Wansboro Field, Brawney open space, and Ranelagh are soon to be reminded that animals must be kept under control at all times in public spaces, and that they have a duty to clean up after their pets.
The issue was raised at last week’s meeting of Athlone Town Council by Cllr Austin Berry, who asked that the notices be posted in public parks “regarding owners of dogs allowing their animals to run uncontrolled and being a hindrance to other park users”.
“Dogs are being let run loose, and a number of elderly people can no longer go to these parks. The dogs are a threat to park users, and we need to look at something more solid to deal with this,” said Cllr Berry.
Cllr Mick O’Connell also requested that dog litter warnings be provided, while Cllr John Butler asked that the notices be extended to Abbey Graveyard, which he said people were using as a “fouling area” for their dogs.
Meanwhile Cllr Kevin ‘Boxer’ Moran added that for the Athlone Open Day held on Sunday October 5, there was a substantial amount of dog excrement on the town’s bridge. “Those people need to be pulled in and deserve whatever punishment the law gives them,” he added.
