Latest Laois News: Portlaoise Councillor highlights local dog fouling problem

Laois County Council Council Cathaoirleach calls for end to dog fouling in Portlaoise

Ms. Catherine Fitzgerald M.C.C; Cathaoirleach of Laois County Council, highlighted the worsening problem of dog fouling in Portlaoise at this morning’s (Feb 17th) Portlaoise Municipal Meeting. Ms.Fitzgerald’s motion was as follows:

“That this Council take action to tackle dog litter in our Town and to also
address dogs with no leads especially in Pairc an Phobail”

Councillor Fitzgerald calls for active campaign against dog fouling

Ms.Fitzgerald called for an “active campaign” to tackle this problem. She went on to suggest that stencils be painted on the town’s footpaths and posters be placed on every pole to reinforce the message.

“It’s a horrible issue. (Portlaoise wants) a really good campaign (that is) in your face to make Portlaoise dog-litter free. ”

Ms.Fitzgerald noted how people pushing buggies, bicycle-users and our residents using wheelchairs have had really bad experiences with dog fouling. Indeed the Cathaoirleach highlighted how one local wheelchair user had to complete his journey homeward with dog excrement on his hands.

“People are disgusted (about this). We, in Portlaoise, are not going to accept this anymore. We have talked about this for years and years.”

Councillor John Joe Fennelly fully supported his council colleague in her call for action. Despite the placing of four mutt mitts in Abbeyleix Councillor Fennelly admitted that the message of cleaning up after your own dog is not getting through to everyone.

Councillor Willie Aird was also fulsome in his support for the Cathaoirleach‘s call for action. Cllr. Aird pointed out that no dog should ever be left off their leash in any park. Councillor Caroline Dwane Stanley also supported Cllr. Fitzgerald’s call. Indeed Cllr. Dwane Stanley called the situation “absolutely crazy” where dogs in Portlaoise are not muzzled or on a leash.