Galway City Council is looking for new volunteers to roll out its successful anti-dog fouling campaign in additional parts of the city.
The ‘Clean it up you dirty pup!’ initiative was launched last year and is aimed at irresponsible dog owners who do not clean up after their dogs.
The council engaged with various Residents’ Associations, Tidy Towns, and community and business groups, with volunteers getting involved by spraying and counting individual dog foulings in defined areas.
Speaking about the initiative, Tiarnan McCusker, the City Council’s Environmental Awareness Officer, said that the highly-visible and quirky campaign has been a success to date.
“It has engaged with community groups and volunteers and achieved an overall reduction in dog fouling of 60% in the five trial areas,” he said.
“One of the areas witnessed a 75% reduction in a six-week period. It has also promoted responsible dog ownership, and we look forward to working with more community groups over the coming months.”
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, they are asked to 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.
