Foul problem

Mr Mackin says over the past six months he has had complaints from residents who are being “subjected to severe dog fouling on the footpaths by a few dog owners who don’t take the time to clear up after their dog”.

“In some areas of the village, such as Back Road, Drum Hill and Pinewood they have to pick their steps to avoid stepping onto dog faeces on the footpaths. Very often residents who walk to activities in the local church hall have to leave the footpath and walk along the street to avoid the mess left by dogs,” he said.

He continued: “This kind of behaviour by dog walkers is not acceptable by any standard in a modern society and I condemn it without reservation. Such behaviour is anti-social and, as well as putting villager’s lives in danger, compromises public space and creates the possibility for children to develop severe illness.”

Mr Mackin explained that every year Lisburn City Council spends tens of thousands of pounds cleaning up dog mess. “Recently they have launched the Bag it and Bin it campaign and have set up a task team to consider ways to reduce occurrences of dog fouling. Following representation on behalf of residents I am pleased that in recent months Environmental Services staff have been specifically deployed on several occasions to clean up the residual mess, additional dog fouling warning signs have been put up, and dog wardens are committed to making regular observation visits.”

Mr Mackin described it as “sad and disappointing that the problem still exists and dog walkers haven’t got the message that their neighbours expect them to act more responsibly.”

He made an appeal to dog owners and walkers who don’t clean up after their dogs to pause and think, for a moment, of the inconvenience they are causing because of their irresponsibility, realise that the large sums of money spent on cleaning dog fouled footpaths every year could be better spent on other activities and facilities in the community.

He urged them to take a poop scoop or plastic bag with them when they walk their dogs and then “Bin It” (and finally to remember that identified walkers who let their dogs foul in public areas are automatically issued with on the spot fines of £50 and if not paid could cost the offender £500 plus court costs).

“Having spoken to many Drumbo residents about this problem I am all too aware of their fear in reporting their neighbours but I would encourage them and anyone else within the Council area where there is a similar problem, to identify the offenders and take the courage to name and shame them. It is only when the law breakers are identified and a statement made that Council can proceed with court action against the perpetrators,” said Mr Mackin.