‘Zero tolerance’ over dog fouling backed by Derry & Strabane Councillors

A proposal from Independent Colr. Raymond Barr and seconded by SDLP Colr. Steven Edwards ‘that Council adopt a zero tolerance policy in relation to dog fouling and dog control’ was passed unanimously at the recent Health & Community Committee meeting.

The issue was raised by Colr. Edwards. “We have a massive issue in terms of enforcement. I don’t think enough is being done looking at the figures on fines being given out,” he said. “I have people coming to me, like the rest of the Councillors, on a daily basis with the footpaths covered and asking what are we doing and all I can say is Council needs to do more.”

Colr. Edwards said the amount of fines issued in Derry & Strabane was miniscule compared to the 475 meted out by Ards & North Down over the past three years. “I think we need to get serious about this issue,” he said.

All of the Committee members said they had similar problems in their areas.

SDLP Colr. Sean Mooney said: “I do understand that people are at home because of the new restrictions and that they need to get out but we need to urge dog owners, or those irresponsible dog owners, to pick up after their pets because it is becoming a very large issue.”

DUP Alderman Maurice Devenney called for ‘more dog fouling officers out on patrol.’

However, Independent Colr. Paul Gallagher felt more action was required. “We have been talking about this in this Council since it began seven years ago. Dog fouling is a major problem but with this pandemic it has become a real, real major problem and we need to see some action coming from Council. This Council needs to fully investigate the long term solution and put a business case together. This has got way out of control and it needs to stop. We need to see visible action from this Council if we are going to address this problem,” he said.

By Gillian Anderson

Local Democracy Reporter