Hi,
It seems that there have been no fines for dog fouling issued in Cobh for the last two years yet the amount of dog fouling around the town is unacceptable. It is unsightly and it poses a health risk. The local authority has obligations under the ‘Litter Pollution Act 1997’ and the ‘Control of Dogs Act, 1986.’
Litter Pollution Act 1997
‘Each local authority must prepare a litter management plan for its area, setting out its objectives to prevent and control litter, along with measures to encourage public awareness of litter. The plan must also set out measures and arrangements by which the local authority intends to achieve these objectives. In preparing its litter management plan, the authority must consult with local community and voluntary interests.’
‘Under Section 22 of the Litter Pollution Act 1997 it is an offence to allow a dog under your control to foul a public place. This means the owner or person in charge of the dog is required to remove dog faeces and dispose of them in a suitable, sanitary manner.’
Control of Dogs Act, 1986
‘Under the Control of Dogs Act 1986, as amended by the Control of Dogs (Amendment) Act 1992, local authorities are responsible for the control of dogs. They have the power to appoint dog wardens, provide dog shelters, seize dogs, impose on-the-spot fines and take court proceedings against owners.’
It is not good enough for the council to throw its collective hands in the air and say that it’s too difficult. There is an obligation on the local authority to deal with these issues.
I would like to know:
How does the local authority intend to tackle this issue?
Is there a litter management plan for Cobh and if there is, where can it be viewed?