Council to target dog muck problem

Cavan County Council is to liaise with adjoining local authorities in an effort to develop a public awareness campaign on the importance of cleaning up dog muck. Cllr Clifford Kelly (FF) raised the matter in a notice of motion on the March agenda.

Cllr Kelly spoke of the health hazard posed by pet owners not cleaning up after their animals. “This is a terrible problem. In one instance, I challenged a dog owner whose pet had fouled the footpath.

“He just lifted it up and threw it to the side of the path. It’s a matter of health and safety. Only a small few out there create a huge problem. I know the council can’t be responsible and that ultimately it’s up to the dog owners,” he said.

The Fianna Fáil elected representative was at pains to point out he is fond of pooches, but concerned that owners are not being responsible: “Something needs to be done about it.”

Sinn Féin’s Paddy McDonald added his voice to the discussion: “We all know what the problem is. People take their dogs out for a walk after dark and don’t bother cleaning up after them. I’ve seen this in my own town, where it’s a real problem, particularly for wheelchair users. It’s not just towns but also in amenity areas like Dún a Rí. People should be named and shamed.”

Cllr Shane P O’Reilly introduced the members to his dog who made an appearance on the online meeting. Cllr O’Reilly acknowledged the problem, while adding that feral cats also are an issue. The Independent councillor suggested that the way to curb the problem was by enforcement: “Pet owners have to be responsible for their own actions. There will be no change in public thinking until this council has a litter warden administering on-the-spot fines. The only way to change people thinking is to hit them in the pocket.”

Cllr Carmel Brady (FG) said: “I see dog owners spending large amounts of money on grooming, dressing up their pets, flashing leads, but they don’t care about them when the problem comes from the other end. We really have to do something about this.”

Cllrs Peter McVitty (FG), Cllr Patricia Walsh (FF), Cllr John Paul Feeley (FF) and Cllr TP O’Reilly (FG) also supported.

Cllr Aidan Fitzpatrick (FF) suggested every dog owner should be required to have a ‘pooper scooper’ on them when they walk their pets.

Addressing the matter Paddy Connaughton, Director of Services, Transportation, Environment and Water Services started by acknowledging “the Trojan work undertaken by Tidy Towns committees across Cavan” in keeping towns, villages and communities clean.

“This is an issue that has increased since Covid. We have had more reports about the problem. Perhaps it’s because more people are walking their dogs, or perhaps more people notice it and report it to the council. There are ‘on the spot’ fines of €150 for litter pollution. If caught, these can go up to €4,000 if it goes to court, but we really depend on dog walkers acting responsibly. We can examine the possibility of a number of councils coming together for a regional awareness campaigner.”

Cllr Kelly said this was “an excellent idea” and thanked all the members for their support and contributions.