Dog fouling major issue say Lisburn citizens

It is the most offensive type of litter on our streets and is consistently raised as a public concern.

Following on from our story last week about a grandfather concerned about the amount of dog mess on the pavements as he walks his grandson to school, the Star has been flooded with readers getting in touch to share their resentment at people not clearing up after their animal.

Particularly bad areas, which have been mentioned several times, include Sloan Street, Hillsborough Old Road, Skyline Drive, Pond Park and Benson Street to name just a few.

One angry Lisburn citizen said: “The dog mess situation is getting worse and more needs to be done. It is disgusting and dog owners need to be more responsible.” In its ongoing campaign to combat the menace of dog fouling on our streets, Lisburn City Council has introduced a number of new measures over the past twelve months.

The Council now operates a zero tolerance enforcement policy, whereby those caught allowing their dogs to foul, without the proper clean up, will automatically receive a fixed penalty fine. Warnings are no longer given. The Council also now operates early morning and evening patrols to coincide with dog walking activity in a bid to deter and catch offenders.

A Dog Control Working Group, with cross party representation has also been established to consider how best to use the Council’s Dog Control resources to combat the problem of dog fouling.

As well as providing residents with free poop scoops, which are available at Lagan Valley Island, Dog Wardens have visited community groups to educate people on the dangers associated with irresponsible dog fouling.

Chairman of the Council’s Environmental Services Committee, Councillor Andrew Ewing said that the Council was tackling dog fouling on all fronts.

He said: “The Council has taken many steps to try and prevent dog fouling taking place through a number of awareness campaigns, through making free poop scoops available and by making dog owners aware of unacceptable behaviour. We have also increased inspections and patrols in areas where problems have been highlighted to try and deter irresponsible dog owners.

“But where people continue to flaunt the law, the Council will apply a zero tolerance approach.

“The problem of dog fouling is one which the Council takes very seriously. We will continue in our campaign to reduce the mess on our streets and would call on the public to help us by contacting the Dog Warden on tel: 028 9250 9394 if you have any information about irresponsible dog ownership,” said Councillor Ewing.