Louth County Council Launches Major Dog Fouling Awareness Campaign
Ardee News and Sport – Louth County Council Launches Major Dog Fouling Awareness Campaign
Louth County Council has officially launched a new six-month campaign to tackle dog fouling and promote responsible pet ownership across the county. The initiative, which was unveiled at County Hall on March 7th, aims to keep public spaces clean and safe through public engagement, education, and community involvement.
The campaign will feature a combination of new signage, media outreach, and collaboration with local groups to drive home key messages, including: ‘Bag It & Bin It’, ‘Dog Fouling is Litter’, and ‘Dog Dirt Belongs in the Bin – Not on the Street’.
Speaking at the launch, Cathaoirleach of Louth County Council, Cllr Kevin Callan, emphasised the importance of the initiative in keeping communities clean and healthy.
“Dog fouling is not just an unpleasant nuisance; it poses health risks and impacts the overall quality of our public spaces. This campaign is about educating dog owners on their responsibilities and ensuring that our parks, streets, and walkways remain clean and welcoming for all,” he said.
The launch event was attended by council officials, representatives from Tidy Towns groups, local schoolchildren from St. Joseph’s Primary School, Dundalk, and even a few four-legged friends.
Key Elements of the Campaign
The initiative will roll out in several ways to ensure maximum community participation and awareness:
✅ New Signage – Dog fouling awareness messages will be displayed on 620 bins across the county, along with specially designed posters and stickers created through a youth art competition.
✅ Media Outreach – A strong presence on radio and social media will help spread the message and encourage responsible pet ownership.
✅ Tidy Towns Partnership – Local Tidy Towns groups will install dog waste bag dispensers, stencil messages on footpaths, and run awareness drives in their communities.
✅ Community Engagement – Schools, residents, and dog owners will be encouraged to take part in clean-up events and awareness campaigns. Educational materials will also be distributed.
✅ St. Patrick’s Day Parade Collaboration – Louth County Council will team up with Dundalk Tidy Towns to feature a special dog fouling awareness message in the annual parade.
Encouraging Public Participation
The council is calling on residents to play their part in making a difference in their local areas. Awareness days will be held throughout the campaign, giving people the opportunity to learn more, get involved, and help keep their communities clean.
With strong backing from local groups and the wider public, Louth County Council hopes that this initiative will lead to a cleaner, healthier, and more enjoyable environment for everyone.
