Fresh initiatives expected to tackle ‘worsening’ problem of dog fouling in borough

Fresh initiatives to tackle dog fouling across the borough are to be pursued.

It comes after the issue was raised at a meeting of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council’s environmental services committee.

DUP Councillor Mark Baxter used the meeting in Armagh last night (Tuesday) to highlight once again the extent of the problem across the entire borough.

And, in doing so, he called for more proactive measures to be put in place, backed up with the necessary resources to see them through.

Councillor Baxter – speaking afterwards – told Armagh I he believes dog fouling, while it has always been a major problem, seems to be “getting worse”.

He said: “I raised it at the committee meeting and the other councillors have agreed that more robust action must be taken in tackling the problem.

“Resources need to be made available to come up with new ways of deterring the irresponsible dog owners, so a clear message has gone back to council officers and we can expect some initiatives soon.”

Officials have given the local representative assurances that work is ongoing around the issue.

Councillor Baxter wanted to convey the depth of feeling within the community which is being brought back to councillors calling for action.

It is expected calls will be forthcoming for more money to tackle the problem head on when budgetary estimates are being worked on over the coming months.

Councillor Baxter said he would be raising the issue once again at the full council sitting at the end of this month when he will be hoping to secure a definite commitment and consensus from fellow councillors going forward.

He said they needed to tackle the issue in any manner possible and once again try to get the message – ‘It’s your dog, your responsibility’ – out to the public.

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