Promoting Responsible Dog Ownership in Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown

Speaking at the launch of the programme, An Cathaoirleach Cllr. Shay Brennan said;

“Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown has many beautiful walks and it is lovely to see people enjoying them. This initiative is a preventative measure and is about educating the small minority of dog owners who don’t pick up after their pets.”

“The overall philosophy of this campaign is to shift attitudes so that it becomes socially unacceptable to not clean-up after your dog.”

The self-contained audio devices communicate a pre-recorded message about responsible dog ownership when it detects a person in close proximity. The main aim of the device is to create awareness about the issue and start a conversation in the local community. The device has potential to reduce incidents of dog fouling litter by over 80%. The initial temporary locations for the devices are Ballyogan, Marlay Park, Killiney Hill, Glenageary and Seapoint. The devices will be rotated throughout the County over the coming year.

The audio system is part of a holistic approach to raise awareness around responsible dog ownership and prevent dog fouling litter. This initiative complements the on-going Green Dog Walkers programme, local radio, bin and cinema advertising, lamp-post signage, education in schools and the Dog Warden’s enforcement patrols.

The Green Dog Walkers (GDW) scheme is a non-confrontational and friendly initiative to prevent dog fouling. Local residents are invited to help get the message out and lead by example. The scheme asks dog owners to make the following pledge;

• clean up after their dog,
• carry extra dog waste bags,
• be happy to be approached to 'lend' a dog waste bag to those without and
• be a friendly reminder to other dog walkers to clean up after their pet.

Anyone can take the pledge to be a Green Dog Walker by signing the Green Dog Walkers Form and returning it to the Council. Registration forms can be obtained directly from www.dlrcoco.ie or by calling 01-2054700.

Once registered, you will receive a complimentary 'doggie bone' bag dispenser, a roll of bags and information leaflet from the Council. The scheme is also available to local residents’ associations, community groups and Tidy Towns/Tidy Districts committees.

For further details on becoming a Green Dog Walker, please contact Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council. 

Email: info@dlrcoco.ie

Phone:  01 - 2054700