Galway City Council is seeking to expand its highly successful campaign against dog fouling to new areas across the city.
Last year saw the ‘Clean it up you dirty pup!’ campaign achieve a 60% reduction in the amount of dog waste in the five areas where it was trialed.
Aimed at irresponsible dog owners who do not clean up after their dogs, the campaign saw volunteers spraying and counting individual dog foulings on a weekly basis in defined areas.
Tiarnan McCusker, Environmental Awareness Officer with Galway City Council said that this was a “highly visible and quirky” campaign that gained national prominence last year.
He said that while there was an overall 60% reduction in dog fouling as a result, one of the areas saw the problem drop by 75%
“It has also promoted responsible dog ownership and we look forward to working with more community groups over the coming months.”
During the campaign the city council worked with various Residents Associations, Tidy Towns, as well as community and business groups.
The council is now seeking more volunteers to help bring this effort to new areas of the city.
In addition to the volunteer support, Galway City Council will stencil footpaths in the problem areas with the message ‘Clean it up you dirty pup!’ and erect highly visible posters.
If a Residents Association, Tidy Towns group, community or business group would like to volunteer or seek further information, please email environment@galwaycity.ie.
Galway City Council staff would meet the volunteers and demonstrate how to safely use the chalk based spray can.
Under the Litter pollution ACT 1997, dog owners are legally obliged to clean up after their pets, if they go to the toilet in public places.
Those who do not clean up after their dog are liable to receive a €150 on the spot fine or Pay €3,000 in court on prosecution for non-payment.
