Council deploys new weapon in the battle against dog fouling

The quad type machine will be used across Lisburn to clean up after all instances of dog fouling.

And Council hopes that once the streets have been cleaned of all residual mess dog owners will take more responsiblity and clean up after their dogs - keeping their communities clean.

Councillor Andrew Ewing, Chairman of the Environmental Services, said: “Over the last year the Council has been actively working to combat the anti-social problem of dog fouling across the Lisburn area.

“It is hoped that once streets in Lisburn are cleared of all residual dog mess residents will be proud of their area and will ‘scoop the poop’ when walking their dogs. The Council will be operating a schedule to ensure that this specialised street cleaning equipment will be used in specific streets throughout the Lisburn area on a rota basis.

“There will be increased patrols by the Council’s Dog Wardens in the areas that the machine has been used in; and the Dog Wardens will issue fixed penalty fines to anyone failing to pick up their dog’s mess. When you lift your dog mess ensure you place the tied bag into a bin and do not leave it lying on the footpath or in the grass verge.

“The Council will be contacting community groups and residents’ associations in advance of the equipment cleaning their communities.

“In addition to cleaning the streets, the Council would like the cooperation of all residents to identify any offending dog owners, in confidence, who will then be issued with a retrospective fixed penalty fine of £50 by the Council’s Dog Wardens.”

All dog owners and walkers are being encouraged to be responsible and always bring a ‘poop scoop’ or disposable plastic bag when leaving home with the dog. Properly secured bags can be placed in any Council litter bin in the Lisburn area or into the landfill bin at the owner’s home.