Three fines for dog fouling were issued by SDCC last year
THREE fines for dog fouling were issued by South Dublin County Council in 2019, the local authority stated in response to a question about dog fouling submitted by Fianna Fáil councillor Teresa Costello at Monday’s monthly meeting of the Tallaght Area Committee.
Cllr Costello asked how many fines for dog fouling had been issued in Tallaght during 2019, and in response the council stated that they had issued three fines during the course of 2019 – none of which related to dog fouling in the Tallaght area.
A dog poop bag on a tree in Sean Walsh Park on Monday
The council added that there are difficulties with the enforcement of these fines, as dog fouling falls under Section 22 of the Litter Pollution Act 1997, and as such there is a requirement for witness testimony to report that the offence happened, and to identify the person who was in charge of the dog.
Explaining how they’re trying to combat the issue with dog fouling in the county, the council explained: “Dog litter, if properly bagged, can be disposed of in a standard litter bin.
“The council provides standard-type litter bins in its main parks and at the dog runs which have been provided in those parks. “
In total there are approximately 130 litter bins provided at park locations in the county, this number has increased in recent years and will continue to increase as the need arises. There are a further 650 litter bins provided on streets and in villages and urban centres.
“Dog litter stickers have been piloted on existing litter bins demonstrating that these receptacles are suitable for such litter. Dog Litter Signage is available and requests for signage are considered on a case-by-case basis and signs are only erected on demonstrated need.
“The Green Dog Walker (GDW) initiative is promoted on an ongoing basis through, but not limited to, social media campaigns and promotional material at pop-up stands in the council’s public buildings.
“The council continues to develop and improve existing strategies and action plans for the management of litter within the county which includes dog foul, and this will continue in 2020.”
