Laois County Council launched its Anti Dog Fouling campaign for County Laois in Pairc an Phobail on Wednesday, March 1.
The campaign aims to promote responsible dog ownership and encourage dog owners to clean up after their dogs, through various mediums.
The issue of dog fouling is an ongoing and escalating problem on footpaths, parks and open spaces in Portlaoise and around the county, as people are out walking more in the brighter evenings.
Laois County Council is urging dog owners to always pick up after their dog using their own scooping device or bag.
They can also do so using one of the Mutt Mitts (dog poo) bags provided around the county.
They can then dispose of it in the nearest litter bin or taking it home and placing it in their own general household bin.
Laois County Council promotes an “any bag, any bin” philosophy and reminds dog owners that they are legally obliged to clean up after their pets if they go to the toilet in public places e.g. on the street, in an open green space in a housing estate or in a park.
Failure to do so may result in the offender being issued with an on-the-spot fine of €150 or on summary conviction to a fine of up to €3,000, under Litter Pollution Act 1997.
Members of the public are also reminded that if you see someone allowing their dog to foul in a public place without cleaning up after them, they can call the Laois Litter Hotline, in confidence, on 1800 32 32 30.
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