Clean up your act - dog owners warned

Pet owners in the Roe Valley who leave their dog's mess on the streets are being targeted in a new Council campaign, but one local councillor doesn't think it will make much difference.
Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, Councillor Michelle Knight-McQuillan and Councils Dog Wardens launched the Dog Fouling campaign last week. Pictured with Mayor, Councillor Michelle Knight-McQuillan are Council Dog Wardens, Timothy McHugh and Dave Sexton.Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, Councillor Michelle Knight-McQuillan and Councils Dog Wardens launched the Dog Fouling campaign last week. Pictured with Mayor, Councillor Michelle Knight-McQuillan are Council Dog Wardens, Timothy McHugh and Dave Sexton.
Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, Councillor Michelle Knight-McQuillan and Councils Dog Wardens launched the Dog Fouling campaign last week. Pictured with Mayor, Councillor Michelle Knight-McQuillan are Council Dog Wardens, Timothy McHugh and Dave Sexton.

The campaign by Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council will target “heavily fouled local streets and areas for additional patrols” streets in Limavady and Dungiven.

These are Station Road in Dungiven and Scroggy Road in Limavady. Signage will be erected in a bid to get the message to perpetrators.

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Causeway Council Mayor, Michelle Knight-McQuillan and dog wardens hope the message will get through. If not, and dog owners are caught leaving dog foul, or a bag with dog foul behind they will receive a fixed penalty of £80.

“I encourage all residents and visitors to the Borough to clean up after their dog to keep the Borough clean of dog foul for everyone,” said Mayor Knight-McQuillan.

However, SDLP councillor Gerry Mullan said: “The campaign is well intentioned, but my 16 years experience in local government has shown that education on its down does not work. There are many responsible dog owners out there, but more punitive measures need to be introducted to deal with those who disregard any regulations in respect of dog fouling.”

Sinn Fein Colr. Sean McGlinchey said: “It’s the first I have heard that Station Road in Dungiven has an issue with dog fouling, but I am aware of other parts of the town, for example near the playpark on Curragh Road, and on the Main Street. Dog fouling anywhere is disgraceful and, hopefully, this campaign will have an impact.”

Incidents in targeted areas will be recorded over four weeks. To report dog fouling call 028 7034 7171 or email [email protected]