COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

South Dublin County Council Crest

MEETING OF SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

Monday, February 13, 2023

QUESTION NO. 19

QUESTION: Councillor F. Timmons

To ask the chief executive For a report on dog fouling in our county that includes the number of fines issued for 2022 ?

REPLY:

Under Section 22 of the Litter Pollution Act 1997, where faeces has been deposited by a dog in any place to which the section applies, the person in charge of the dog shall immediately remove the faeces and shall ensure that it is properly disposed of in a suitable sanitary manner. 

The difficulty with enforcement of Section 22 is the requirement for witness testimony, to report that the offence happened and that an identified person is the person in charge of the dog. In the absence of such testimony, fines cannot be issued. The Council continues to encourage residence groups and/or individuals to assist the Warden Service in this regard.

SDCC have continued to raise awareness of the issue of Dog fouling and has mounted a number of campaigns on radio, newspapers and on social media in that regard.

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 parks 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 Signage is available and requests for signage are considered on a case by case basis, the location of the request is examined for suitability and if deemed suitable signs can be erected. If there is/are registered group(s) in existence in an area, signage may be provided directly to the group through the Social Credit Scheme with the caveat that such signage erected must have due regard for public health and safety, and must not impede visibility or restrict traffic, cycling and pedestrian flow.

The Green Dog Walkers Programme is a non-confrontational, friendly way to change people's attitudes about dog fouling.  It is a community based scheme which volunteers in the community can adopt and promote in their own area.  Members of the public can apply through Social Credits at www.socialcredits.ie 

Volunteers who become Green Dog Walkers are provided with an armband and bone shaped bag dispenser and commit to the following -

In 2022, South Dublin County Council received 18 reports related to dog fouling. One fine was issued.