Dog owners should do decent thing and make sure there is no mess left

SIR, — I hope Newry, Mourne and Down Council will do all it can to tackle the district’s dog fouling problem.

I was not surprised to read last week that politicians have been inundated with complaints from ratepayers in towns and villages across the district about an issue which appears to be getting worse.

Rowallane councillor Billy Walker has called on the local council to address the issue by drawing up a dog fouling 

strategy to combat an issue which he rightly says is doing nothing to enhance the area’s image. 

While the majority of dog owners clean up after their pets, there are a hardcore who don’t and allow their pets to use public areas as open air toilets. How disgusting.

Dog dirt is not only unsightly, but poses a risk to children’s health and I have often felt those who break the law should be named and shamed.

Maybe this will be the jolt they need to start obeying the law, not breaking it.

Council enforcement staff cannot police all parts of the district so all dog owners need to do the decent thing and clean up after their pets.

Yours etc,

CONCERNED,

Crossgar.

(name and address supplied).