A coursing club in North Kerry recently cleaned up forty bags containing dog foul which had been thrown over its gate.
That’s according to Fine Gael councillor Mike Kennelly.
The issue of dog fouling and how it’s now ‘out of control’ was highlighted at the Listowel Municipal District meeting.
The issue was initially brought up by Sinn Féin councillor Tom Barry, who called on Kerry County Council to run another anti-dog fouling campaign this year.
Cllr Barry said the issue is completely out of control, adding while out walking the Ballybunion road recently he had to pick his steps carefully.
His party colleague councillor Robert Beasley supported this call and had also brought a similar motion before the meeting; he says the issue has gotten worse, and always seems to be worse after Christmas.
Cllr Beasley said nothing seems to be improving the situation, adding it’s gone completely out of control.
Their concerns were shared by Fine Gael councillor Mike Kennelly; he told the meeting some people just want to be seen to be doing the right thing and are then throwing bags over the ditch or fences.
Cllr Kennelly said the coursing club cleaned up 40 bags that had been thrown over their fence recently.
In response, the council stated it had run a media campaign over Christmas to highlight the issues with dog fouling and other campaigns will also be run during 2021.
Routine and targeted inspections by litter and dog wardens, and municipal district enforcement officers will be carried out at our beaches, walking routes and burial grounds, according to the council, which adds that it’s a countywide issue, adding dog owners need to take responsibility.
