Residents cry foul in Moira

One resident, who did not wish to be named, is fed up with the dog fouling on the Backwood and Drumbane roads - popular routes to Moira Primary School.

He also claims he witnessed a woman let her dog foul in Moira Demesne and leave it because ‘that’s the council’s job’.

“In the park, a lady in her late 50s or early 60s was with two big dogs near where children play. She let her dog do what it wanted and left it there.

“I asked her to pick it up and she said ‘no, that is the council’s job. That’s why I pay my taxes’.

“When I rang the council they told me to follow her and get her house number!”

Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council has denied this.

A spokesperson said: “Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council encourages residents to report incidents of dog fouling to the Environmental Health Unit in order for them to be followed up quickly.

“If at all possible, it is helpful if as much information as possible, regarding the perpetrator, is passed to the council.

“The council does not recommend that any resident who witnesses fouling to follow the perpetrator, or that they attempt in person to obtain the details of the perpetrator.

“The council’s Dog Warden Service does undertake regular dog fouling patrols, however it is more difficult to deal with sporadic or isolated allegations in the absence of specific information about the dog and owner involved.

“It is for this reason that the council asks residents , but only if comfortable to do so, to provide this information which will always be treated confidentially.

“Such information will assist in the identification of repeat offenders and enable the Council to take swift corrective action.”

Anybody wishing to report dog fouling should contact the Council on: Tel: 028 9250 9395.”