Call for 'robust action' to tackle dog mess scourge

DUP member Paul McLean described the streets of the town as a "total disgrace."

He wants the council to identify and prosecute people who fail to clean up dog dirt.

"I have been inundated with complaints from constituents in recent days," he said. "I have seen for myself how bad the situation is.

"Just last night I went for a walk round the town and counted seven 'incidents' at Westland Road, Moneymore Road, Broad Street, Hospital Road and Tobermore Road.

"In fairness someone had attempted to clean up but had then left the black bag with the dog poo behind them."

A special meeting of Mid Ulster District Council has been arranged for tomorrow night (Wednesday) to discuss the problem.

Councillor McLean said he appreciated that there are dog owners who do clean up after their pet.

"This is not aimed at them. Apart from the unsightliness of dog poo smeared across our footpaths, there are potential health issues," he said.

The councillor said more people are walking because of lockdown and they have the right to do so without stepping in poo.

He said he was of the opinion that someone who cannot clean up after their dog shouldn't be allowed to have a dog.

"I believe it is possible to apprehend some of those responsible for this mess and I will be putting my case to the council," he added.

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