Dog walkers urged to join scheme aimed at discouraging dog fouling in public

By wearing the Green Dog Walkers hi-vis vest the person is indicating they are a responsible dog-owner participating in and supporting the Green Dog Walkers scheme, and a contact for others who might want information about the scheme. There are already thousands of pledgers throughout Ireland and the UK., The Sligo Champion

A Sligo councillor is proposing that dog owners don hi-vis jackets stating that they are responsible in a scheme aimed at cracking down on dog fouling.

Cllr Dara Mulvey has tabled a motion for the September meeting of Sligo County Council calling for this” proactive non-confrontational, friendly way to change attitudes about dog fouling” such as the Green Dog Walkers scheme.

The scheme consists of dog owners committing to clean up after their dog, and to being a friendly reminder to other dog walkers to clean up after their dog, while at no time being aggressive or confrontational about the issue.

By wearing the Green Dog Walkers hi-vis vest the person is indicating they are a responsible dog-owner participating in and supporting the Green Dog Walkers scheme, and a contact for others who might want information about the scheme. There are already thousands of pledgers throughout Ireland and the UK.

“The Green Dog Walkers Scheme has already been rolled out by many other County Councils. The campaign emphasises that dog fouling is the responsibility of the dog owner/walker and that they must clean up after their dog. Educating and influencing the behaviour of dog owners regarding dog fouling should be to the fore for Sligo County Council and I have tabled a motion calling for a proactive change in attitude about dog fouling,” stated Cllr Dara Mulvey.

“Most dog owners are very responsible but there are continued instances of dog fouling on our streets and in green spaces and this issue is regularly highlighted by people who are fed up with dog poop on their shoes, prams, buggies, wheelchairs etc, which also is detrimental to the health of all.

"Dog fouling can cause the parasitic illness toxocariasis, which is transmitted by roundworm eggs in dog faeces that can lead to symptoms like aches, dizziness, nausea, asthma, and in severe cases, eye disease or blindness. Children are particularly vulnerable due to increased exposure to contaminated soil,” added Cllr Mulvey.

-This article was funded by the Local Democracy Scheme