A Longford council official says a form of 'peer pressure' appears to be one of the best deterrents when it comes to people taking responsibility for their dogs fouling in public spaces.
Gary Brady who's Environmental Officer with Longford council says they hope a new awareness campaign with ten other local authorities will help keep our streets and paths cleaner.
The campaign features "Scally' the dog in a series of social media videos highlighting the responsibilities of dog owners.
The Longford Environmental Officer says while there are significant fines for people caught letting their dog foul a public space, it's the attitude of other dog owners or walkers that also tends to make people behave more responsibly…
"The fine is the same as a litter fine and its 150 euro, so if you are caught allowing your dog fowling on the ground that can go up to 3,000 euro on a summary conviction in court".
"What we generally find is that the public are fairly vocal on this issue even more so than on litter, you know when someone might drop a bag and they might give you a glance or a look but they might not say anything".
"Were you might find if you let your dog do its business on the ground other people especially other dog owners will say sorry you forgot to clean up after your dog. I think that's the best way forward".
