'Get tough' call over dog fouling

Beaches, parks and pavements suffer from dog fouling

Dog owners who let their animals foul public property should have their pets taken away, respondents to a survey have said.

The poll, organised by Tidy Northern Ireland, asked if owners who persistently let their pets foul should be banned from owning a dog.

According to the survey, 76% said yes, 22% said no and 2% were unsure.

The campaign does not back such drastic action, but claims the results show how disgusted people are with dog mess.

'Anger'

Tidy Northern Ireland director Ian Cole said: "Because we know the health dangers of dog dirt and how unpleasant it is when it ends up on your shoes, we despise fouling in public places and the irresponsible owners who allow it to happen.

"While we don't believe that the threat of taking away someone's pet is the answer, we can understand the anger that drove 5,000 people to complain about errant owners to their local authority last year."

Mr Cole said a poster campaign by North Down Borough Council last year resulted in an 80% decrease in dog fouling.

"It just goes to show that owners need reminding again and again and again of the need to pick-up after their pet," he said.

"More dog wardens would definitely hammer home the message."