Meath County Council says owners ‘fully responsible’ for dog poo amidst calls for waste bag dispensers
Cleaning up dog waste is the full legal responsibility of the dog owner, Meath County Council has stated, in response to a motion from a local councillor calling for dog waste bag dispensers to be installed around Athboy town.
At the July meeting of the Kells Municipal District, Councillor Mike Bray asked the council to consider providing dispensers at selected locations to help tackle persistent dog fouling in public spaces.
In its reply, the council said it does not install dog waste bag points except at large recreational sites, such as Blackwater Park and beaches.
“Cleaning up dog waste is the full legal responsibility of the dog owner. We understand that Ashbourne Tidy Towns (in conjunction with a local Councillor) provide dispensers in their area. Meath County Council Environment Section supplies the bags, but the units are managed by the Tidy Towns,” the council said.
Meath County Council suggested that Athboy Tidy Towns could pursue a similar arrangement and should contact the Environment Section if interested.
Meanwhile dog fouling remains a serious public health issue, and under the Litter Pollution Acts 1997, if a dog fouls in a public place — such as a street, park, beach, or school grounds — the owner must clean up immediately.
Beyond the legal obligation, the health risks are significant. Dog faeces can carry toxocariasis, an infection that can pass to humans through contaminated waste. In serious cases, it can cause eye disorders, dizziness, asthma, nausea, and even epileptic seizures — especially in children.