No dog fouling fines issued in Cork city in first three months of year

CORK City Council has revealed that no dog fouling fines were issued in the first three months of this year, as responsible dog ownership was dubbed the “only long-term” solution to the problem.

A spokesperson for Cork City Council said that while they are aware that there are a small number of dog owners in the city who do not pick up after their pets, the problem is “extremely difficult” to eradicate.

The council added that no fines were issued throughout 2023, with only one issued in 2022, two in 2021, and none in 2020 or 2019.

“Dog fouling is an issue across many local authority areas and has proved extremely difficult to eradicate right across the country,” the spokesperson said.

 “It is not an issue restricted to Cork city.

“The city council has strong public messaging in place around dog fouling and annually runs several awareness campaigns, especially with school children who are going to be the next generation of dog owners. Responsible dog ownership is the only long-term effective resolution to this problem.”

Labour Party candidate for Cork City South East Ward Peter Horgan says a “zero-tolerance” bylaw around dog fouling is required.

“We need a new bylaw that brings zero tolerance,” said Mr Horgan. “Incentivise operations to happen early morning and late night and show that fines are coming and will be pursued.

“The nature of those who do not clean up is that they know they will not be pursued for the fine. We are spending money on posters that do not have an impact.

“There is a level of personal responsibility and ownership but that is not getting through,” he said.

Mr Horgan highlighted other incentives put in place by local towns and villages.

“Cobh gives out dog bags every week to dog walkers. Carrigaline has specific bins, but in the city it is a shrug your shoulders approach from all stakeholders,” he said.

“We still don’t see any dog bins on the Blackrock Line or the Marina, or even on the new Tramore Valley link walk in Grange. It’s an area that certain people want to actively forget exists but it is a public health concern.”

However, Alan Cashman, owner of Cortado Coffee, said: “We have a lot of customers who are dog owners and walk the Marina regularly, and to be honest we wouldn’t find the Marina itself to be a blackspot.”