Roscommon council launches 'bag it and bin it' dog fouling campaign

Roscommon County Council has launched a new awareness campaign to highlight the issue of dog fouling and remind dog owners that they must 'bag it and bin it' wherever they are.

"The message to all dog walkers is simple – leave your house prepared, with a bag in hand, to ensure you play their part in keeping Roscommon clean," said Jonathan Jones, Environmental Education and Awareness Officer with the council.

"If there is no bin on your walking route, you must bring it home for disposal. All owners should bag it and bin it."

Roscommon County Council said it was continuing to receive complaints regularly about dog fouling in the county, with these ranging from owners not picking up after their dog to those who bag it but leave in on a nearby wall.

With more people out walking and exercising their dogs, the issue of dog fouling has become an escalating problem on footpaths, parks and open spaces, the local authority said.

It reminded the public that that dog fouling is a serious health hazard that spoils outdoor spaces for everybody.

Dog faeces carry various infections including toxocariasis. Children are most vulnerable to the serious effects of this infection which can result in eye disorders, dizziness, nausea and asthma. This health risk can be prevented if owners clean up immediately after their dogs.

Roscommon County Council also said it wanted to remind dog owners that failure to pick up after their pet is an offence under the Litter Pollution Act 1997 and could result in an on-the-spot fine of €150, or up to €3,000 on conviction.