Fermanagh and Omagh District Council Enhances Dog Fouling and Dog Control Campaign

Fermanagh and Omagh District Council is continuing to ramp up its efforts to tackle dog fouling and promote responsible dog ownership through a combined campaign focused on cleaning up after dogs and keeping dogs under control. As part of this initiative, the Council’s Dog Control Enforcement Officers have recently carried out stencilling along walking routes and public spaces across the District that have been identified as hot spots for dog fouling and off-lead dogs.

These stencils reinforce two key messages: “Keep Dogs on Leads” and “Clean It Up – Bag It, Bin It”, reminding pet owners of their responsibilities when enjoying shared spaces with their dogs.

Areas recently stencilled include:
• Loughshore Path, Bellanaleck
• Killyfole Lake
• Broadmeadows, Enniskillen
• Derrychara Playing Fields, Enniskillen
• Sperrin Park, Omagh
• Centenary Park, Omagh
• St Julian’s Park Walkway, Omagh

The Council strongly advises dog owners to walk their dogs on a lead and under control in rural areas and public places, to prevent incidents involving other park users or livestock. Dog owners remain fully responsible for their dog’s behaviour at all times. Interactions with other dogs and people should always be supervised to ensure safety for all. Dogs are not permitted in play parks, playing fields, MUGAs, artificial pitches, bowling greens or tennis courts.

The Council continues to take a zero-tolerance approach to dog fouling under the Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act (NI) 2011. Enforcement Officers regularly patrol known problem areas and have the authority to issue fixed penalty notices to those who fail to clean up after their dogs.

Dog owners are reminded to:
• Always carry bags or a poop scoop
• Dispose of dog waste in any litter bin or their black/green household bin
• Do not use brown or blue bins for dog waste

Chair of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, Councillor John McClaughry, commented:
“This campaign is about more than cleanliness—it’s about public safety and protecting our environment and animals. We’re asking all dog owners to do their part to clean up after their dogs and keep them under control. These are simple but vital actions that help make our towns, countryside, and shared spaces safe and enjoyable for everyone. Let’s work together to keep our District clean, safe, and respectful for all.”

For more information or to report dog fouling or a dog out of control, please contact Fermanagh and Omagh District Council on 0300 303 1777 or email dogcontrol@fermanaghomagh.com.

Fermanagh and Omagh District Council is a member of Leave No Trace Ireland and is committed to promoting the Seven Leave No Trace Principles which include disposing of waste properly and being considerate of others. For more information on the Leave No Trace Principles, visit www.fermanaghomagh.com

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