Council urges dog owners to “Bag it and Bin it” as part of a Dog Fouling campaign

Fermanagh and Omagh District Council is stepping up its efforts to address the issue of dog fouling across the District with the roll out of new stencilling and the promotion of the Bag it and Bin it message.

Dog fouling is a nuisance and unsightly, it is hazardous to health.

Under the Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act (NI) 2011, it is an offence to allow your dog to foul without cleaning up afterwards.  Councils have powers to impose fixed penalties on people who allow their dogs to foul.

Speaking about dog fouling and the campaign, Chair of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, Councillor Thomas O’Reilly, said:

“The Council invests a significant amount of time and money to keep our towns, villages, small settlements and countryside clean for everyone. The majority of dog owners are responsible and do clean up after their dog, however, there are still some who are not. I would urge all dog owners to play their part in leaving no trace and supporting our Street Cleansing Teams by taking the simple action of Bag It and Bin It.  I would also encourage dog owners to sign up to the Green Dog Walkers Scheme which is a pledge to clean up after your dog and offer other dog owners a poop bag. If we all take this small action, we can play a big part in ensuring our District is clean, safe and welcoming.”

The Council would also remind dog owners that dogs are excluded from play parks, playing fields, MUGA’s, artificial pitches, bowling greens and tennis courts at all times.

Here are some helpful tips for dog owners to help eradicate the dog fouling problem: 

• Carry a plastic bag or ‘poop scoop’ with you
• Teach your dog to go to the toilet in your garden before you leave home
• Never let your dog onto the street to foul
• You can use any bag and bin whether it be the designated dog bins or ordinary rubbish bins. You may also use your black/green bin at home

Please note: do NOT use your brown or blue bin to dispose of dog foul as it will contaminate them.

The Council is a member of Leave No Trace Ireland and strives to promote the Seven Principles which include littering and dog fouling.  The aim of “Leave No Trace” is to promote and inspire responsible outdoor recreation to protect our natural and cultural environment.  This contributes to the Fermanagh and Omagh Community Plan 2030 outcome to ensure our District is an attractive and accessible place and where our natural environment and built and cultural heritage is cherished and sustainably managed.

For further information on the dog fouling campaign or how to report dog fouling please telephone Fermanagh and Omagh District Council on 0300 303 1777 or email dogcontrol@fermanaghomagh.com