Dog waste bin packed with ordinary rubbish

She spoke out after being contacted by pet owners who said some bins have been left overflowing after day-to-day rubbish was put in them.

Talking to the ‘Journal’ one local resident and dog owner, who asked not to be named, said: “I was taking my dog for a walk in and around Fahan Street and went to get rid of his waste in one of the big red bins and it was overflowing with ordinary rubbish.

“It was evident that people who had gone to depose of their pets waste had to nowhere to go, so had to leave the bags at the base of the bin.

“This situation just creates an unsightly mess and a health risk and is the last thing we want to see happening during this pandemic.”

Colr. Logue said: “I know that the vast majority of dog owners in our city are very responsible and ensure that their dogs waste is removed.

“I would appeal to people to only use these bins for the purpose they were designed for.”

Every year tonnes of waste is collected by Derry City and Strabane District Council.

Seamus Donaghy, Head of Health and Community Wellbeing at the Council, recently asked people not to let their pets foul the city streets, and said: “It is important to note that the vast majority of dog owners do behave responsibly and clear up their mess as evidenced by the 50 tonnes of foul collected from bins each year in our Council area.”

DC&SDC reminds members of the public that allowing dogs to foul without clearing up the mess is littering and can lead to an £80 on the spot fine.

The local authority encourages pet owners to always pick up dog waste and put it in the nearest litter bin. They are reminded to use any plastic bag and any litter bin, including black bins at home. Don’t put dog waste in your blue or brown bins as this will contaminate them The public can report instances of dog foiling by e mailing [email protected] or calling 028 71 253 253.