The fine for a dog littering in public spaces will now cost an extra €100 from September 1st; the original on-the-spot fine would cost €150 if your dog was caught in the act
LONDON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 27: DC, a mongrel street dog from Freetown (Sierra Leone), adjusts to her new life amongst autumn leaves in Brockwell Park on October 27, 2015 in London, England. A burst of heat saw temperatures reach as high as 19 degrees centrigrade in London. Trees will soon be bare of all leaves as winter will begin in earnest. (Photo by Chris Ratcliffe/Getty Images)(Image: 2015 Chris Ratcliffe / Getty Images)
The fine for dog fouling has increased by an extra €100, bringing the total to €250 if your dog is caught littering in a public space from September 1st.
If your dog were caught littering, an on-the-spot fine of €150 would have been issued to the owner. This increase has been implemented to reduce littering rates.
The Irish government has said the following on the reasoning for an increase: “Litter and dog fouling continue to impose high costs on local authorities, businesses, and taxpayers, resulting in the need for substantial public resources for clean-up operations and maintenance.
Beyond the financial impact, these issues damage the appearance of communities, discourage tourism, create health hazards, and reduce the enjoyment of public amenities for families, children, and older people. Greater enforcement against those who litter will not only reduce litter but act as a deterrent to others from littering, creating cleaner communities.”
Minister Alan Dillon has released a statement following the increase: “Increasing fines for littering and dog fouling will act as a stronger deterrent. It will encourage greater compliance and promote more responsible behaviour.
“The measure also supports the efforts of community volunteers, environmental groups, and local authority staff – who work tirelessly to maintain cleaner, safer and more welcoming neighbourhoods. By strengthening enforcement measures and encouraging behavioural change, the increased fines will contribute to a cleaner environment, improved public health and a better quality of life for everyone.
“This initiative reflects the Government’s commitment to protecting public spaces and fostering respect for the environment and local communities.”
Limerick -based vet Donal Ryan spoke to Newstalk this morning about the issue and his predictions for when the new fine will be introduced, although he will be “pleasantly surprised if it made any difference”.
“The big issue is the disease, a particular disease associated with dog fouling, a disease called Toxocariasis, which is a type of disease that’s called a zoonosis.
“In children, it can lead to blindness.”
Discussing the logistics of the fine and if the dog warden or the owner will be responsible, “I don’t know what the answer to that will be. But then it also comes down to, you know, evidence, because how do you go to court and prove that your dog or your brown dog or my brown dog did the poo on the footpath?”
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