Larne dog owners' fury at ongoing saga of overflowing litter bins

The local man, who does not wish to be identified, spoke out after witnessing two dog litter bins on Larne’s Ballyhampton Road piled high with bags full of dog mess.

In both cases, bags of dog waste had been left on the bin lids due to the bins being full.

At one receptacle, dog owners had even left bags full of waste on the ground underneath the bin, due to a lack of space on the precariously-piled lid.

The concerned resident said that he feels council isn’t doing enough to support responsible dog owners who want to clean up after their pets.

“The council would be quick to fine people for not picking up after their dogs, so why aren’t they as quick to empty the bins?” he asked.

“I can understand the council handing out fines when people are lazy and don’t pick up after their dogs, but when are they going to start emptying the bins regularly to help responsible dog owners who go to the effort of taking their dog waste there?”

“At one of these bins there are a dozen bags sitting on top of the bin lid, as the bin is full up, as well as three to four bags sitting around the bin.

“It’s disgusting and that area is popular with families with young children, so it presents a health hazard.

“I have noticed that the situation is bad in the winter, when there seem to be fewer collections, but if it continues into the summer the smell will be terrible.

“There are new developments being built around here and problems like this are damaging the character of the area.”

The Times has ran several reports in recent years on the ongoing problem of overflowing dog litter bins in Larne.

Last month, we reported that Mid and East Antrim Council is considering rolling out mobile CCTV across the borough in an effort to stamp out dog fouling.

However, the local resident says it is “not realistic” for the council to expect a decrease in dog fouling without implementing support measures.

“Responsible dog owners’ efforts are being hampered by the council and we want them to accept responsibility and empty the bins, otherwise what are we paying rates for?” he concluded.

Mid and East Antrim Council has been contacted for comment.