Dog owners beware – gardaí go undercover to catch poo polluters
By Maurice Garvey
UNDERCOVER city council inspectors and gardaí are sniffing out offenders who allow their dogs to foul on pavements in Dublin South Central neighbourhoods.
The new pilot programme was rolled out by Dublin City Council in August, and has proved “extraordinarily effective” to date. The Echo understands it has resulted in fines for 21 dog owners.
Council chiefs piloted the programme in Walkinstown and Drimnagh – inspectors engage dog owners who fail to clean up after their pooch. If the the dog owner fails to comply with the inspector, two gardaí are on hand to provide back-up – ensuring rough justice for the dog handler.
Tackling the problem of dog fouling on public streets and parks has proven extremely difficult for local authorities.
Sinn Féin councillor Daithí Doolan said: “It’s an ingenious scheme. Nothing else seemed to work, whether it was leaflet-drops or awareness campaigns.
The inspector is shadowed by two gardaí. If the dog owner shows any resistance (to the inspector), the two guards are in like a swat team. I welcome the move. It seems to be having a positive effect and I hope it is rolled out across the city.”
DCC Dublin South Central Area Manager Bruce Philips said: “It’s an ongoing pilot programme with undercover gardaí.
The presence of our staff targetting dog fouling seems to have led to a significant change in dog-owner behaviour in Drimnagh. It’s too early to say what lasting impact it will have.”
Mr Philips will present a full report on the programme to members at the city council meeting in October.
A spokesperson for Dublin City Council said: “The trial commenced on August 10. It is being conducted in Dublin 12. There have been 21 fines issued to date. Each fine is €150.”
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