Question: Councillor M. Baker:
To ask the Manager how many complaints are made to the Council each year in relation to incidences of dog fouling?
Reply:
In 2008 17 complaints about specific dogs were received, however the witnesses were not willing to give details of the complaint in writing. When general complaints about dog fouling in different estates, villages, parks, etc are received the Dog Warden carries out licence checks, going door to door to all registered dog owners in the effected area and to any additional houses where he sees dog(s). Annually over 100 areas are checked, the majority of which would have been done based on fouling complaints and dogs running loose in residential areas. This has resulted in 106 fines under the Control of Dogs Act 1986 being issued to date this year.
Additionally, every dog owner that the Warden speaks to while carrying out licence checks is reminded of their obligation under the Litter Pollution Acts to clean up after their dog(s). Furthermore, the Dog Warden and 6 Litter Wardens regularly patrol the beaches, parks and main pedestrian routes, warning all dog walkers of their legal obligations.
Signage has also been erected by the Wardens and, historically, has resulted in an improvement in these areas. Currently a new series of anti-dog fouling signs are being printed. The signs will be neighbourhood specific, i.e. "Keep Dun Laoghaire Clean" will be on the signs erected in and around Dun Laoghaire Town Centre. It is hoped that these signs will be ready for placing around the County late this year.Also starting this month, all licence reminder letters sent to dog owners will also include a free pooper-scooper in addition to an information leaflet on Control of Dogs. Pooper-Scoopers are available free of charge from both of the Council's offices.