COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF LUCAN AREA COMMITTEE

Tuesday, April 22, 2014

MOTION NO. 10

MOTION: Councillor G. O'Connell

Cathaoirleach's Business

"That this Committee calls for a review of the policy in relation to dogs in public place, specifically on the provision of signage, litter bins and the enforcement of the relevant bye-laws. And that the possibility of making it obligatory for dog owners to carry their dog licence when out walking their pet be examined and that the matter be referred to the relevant SPC."

REPORT:

Currently,  there are no SDCC Bye-laws in place pertaining to the Control of Dogs Act l986.   Draft bye-laws will be prepared by the Council's Licencing and Enforcement Staff in the current year.  

Section 22 of the Litter Pollution Act 1997, as amended, provides for the issue of a fixed penalty notice to anyone witnessed not cleaning up after their dog.  However, the Council experiences difficulty in enforcing the section of the act relating to dog fouling as it requires witnesses that are willing to come forward and provide evidence in court, if and when required.  Further, experience has shown that dog owners are often reluctant to provide personal details such as name and address in the absence of which the Council is prevented from issuing a Notice. 

In relation to anti dog fouling signage, the Council is continuing to roll out and review the anti-dog fouling stencilling programme throughout the regional local and neighbourhood parks . There has been a positive feedback to date on foot of this initiative.  The Council is also actively  promoting responsible dog ownership through the Green Dog Walkers scheme, where individuals clean up after their dog and encourages others to do likewise.  Information in relation to this scheme is available on www.socialcredits.ie

The Council's has a network of approx. 60 bins located throughout its parks, all of which are suitable for disposal of dog litter.