Council calls on Newtownabbey dog owners to be responsible

Ballyclare DEA UUP Councillor Vera McWilliam highlighted residents’ concerns about dog fouling in the town with the Times.

Cllr McWilliam said: “This is a problem Northern Ireland-wide. Residents have contacted me about the issue in Ballyclare. I have seen dog waste left on a path in the town this week.

“It is not the dog’s fault. It is up to the owner to be responsible. Would they like dog waste left outside their own door?

“Then there are people who go to the effort of bagging up the waste, before then throwing it in a tree or a hedge. This is disgusting and must stop. People need to dispose of their dog waste in the responsible way.”

Commenting on the issue, a council spokesperson said: “We would ask all dog owners to pick up after their dog and place all dog foul in the nearest bin. You can use any plastic bag and any bin, whether it’s a litter bin, dog waste bin, combi bin, or your black bin at home. Dog bags are available free of charge from Mossley Mill and Antrim Civic Centre.

“Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council’s Enforcement Officers are encouraging residents to report offenders, in an effort to step up the ongoing fight against dog fouling on our roads, footpaths and green spaces. Residents can help clamp down on dog fouling in their area by reporting repeat offenders on 028 9034 0160 or by email on [email protected]

“If your dog fouls in a public place and you fail to pick it up, you could be issued with a Fixed Penalty of £80. If you don’t pay the fine you may be taken to court, which can result in the fine increasing to £1,000.”

The spokesperson for the local authority confirmed the council has received one report of dog fouling relating to the Ballyclare area in the past four weeks.

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Click here to read Anti-protocol protest held in Newtownabbey

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