Only one fine has been issued this year for dog fouling, a persistent problem which plagues Salthill prom, children’s playgrounds, and city parks, and a much tougher stance needs to be taken on this issue.
This is the view of Labour city councillor Niall McNelis who is calling on the Galway City Council to allocate more resources to tackle dog fouling of public areas through more random policing by community wardens and extra signage.
Under the litter pollution act of 1997 on the spot fines of €150 can be issued to the owners if they are caught walking away from a mess created by their pet. However Cllr McNelis said fines are “only a deterrent if they are issued” and noted how only one fine had been issued this year so far.
He pointed out that Salthill, Cappagh Park in Knocknacarra, and Fr Burke Park are “where the most serious offences are”.
“Dog owners who walk their pets in any place should always have a bag or pooper scooper with them. Pooper scoopers are available free of charge from City Hall,” he said. “They should also be deposited correctly, throwing them into the hedges or into the rocks is extremely dangerous.”
Cllr McNelis pointed out that dog dirt
contains campylobacter, salmonella, and other pathogenic organisms which contaminate wounds or broken skin. The most serious health risks are toxocariasis and hydatid.
