Only one fine has been issued for dog fouling in Dublin City since 2019, according to alarming new figures.
Under the Litter Pollution Act, statistics also show just four fines were issued in 2018.
The figures come as more and more concerns have emerged over the lack of policing of dog owners who are failing to pick up after their beloved pooches.
The issue was raised by Green Party Councillor Hazel Chu, off the back of 2018 statistics released by Deputy Patrick Costello at the time.
The study also shows that just 23 fines were issued in 2017, while 78 were issued in 2016 and 26 in 2015.
Cllr. Chu has called for more enforcement in the area, saying: “There are lots of responsible people who bin their dog’s foul, but you don’t have to walk too far in your local park or in the case of many of my constituents, out their front door to see there are many people who don’t clean up after their dogs.
“Litter wardens are patrolling our parks and amenity areas where there is evidence of ongoing fouling, but it is very difficult to pinpoint blame in a park where there are multiple dogs and owners. That’s why I would recommend DCC follow the lead of Leitrim County Council and introduce DNA testing to help identify offenders who fail to pick up their dog waste. A solution that was discussed in the previous council term and a motion was passed for it but management never enacted it.”
Cllr. Chu concluded: “Dog foul is a longstanding problem across the city. Not only is it unsightly, but it presents a risk to human health given that it can contain harmful bacteria such as E-coli and parasites like round worm. If the council are struggling to issue fines to repeat offenders, we must give them tools to make it easier”.
Offenders can face up to €150 or a fine in the District Court of up to €3,000, while reports can also be made to the local council.
In 2020, figures showed that Tipperary County council had not issued a fine for dog fouling in four years – while Cork City Council had not handed out one in 17 months.
This was in stark contract to Galway City Council’s new creative project to tackle the issue which result in dog fouling dropping by 50%.
Meanwhile, a number of county councils around the country have issue new rules on banning dogs from Blue Flag beaches to help curb the problem.
Many pet stores are now selling biodegradable poo bags to help the environment.
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