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Tidy Towns groups are being urged to help rid Limerick’s streets and green areas of dog litter Photo: 123RF.com

Tidy Towns groups are being urged to help rid Limerick’s streets and green areas of dog litter as part of a new initiative launched by Limerick City and County Council.

The ‘Stop Limerick Dog Litter’ campaign has already received the backing of the Maxi Zoo pet store on the Ballysimon Road who have donated 100 long-handled pooper-scoopers valued at €3,000 to help local Tidy Towns volunteers clean up areas. Other initiatives launched in recent times to combat dog litter include the anybig/anybin campaign and free ‘pooper scoopers’ being made available to the public.

According to Mayor of Limerick Cllr Kathleen Leddin, dog litter is an ongoing issue that needs to be tackled across Limerick.

"The Council’s Environment Section is trying to get the message across that allowing dogs to foul in a public area and then not picking it up is simply unacceptable."

Cathaoirleach of Limerick County Council, Cllr John Sheehan said he wanted to commend the many Tidy Towns groups who carry out regular community cleanups, having to deal with dog litter that careless dog owners have chosen not to pick up.”

Manager of Maxi Zoo, Mr. Warren Greenaway commented: “Maxi Zoo and our supplier Karlie are delighted to support the great work of Tidy Towns groups across Limerick and to remind pet parents that they have a responsibility to clean up after their pets. The 100 pooper-scoopers are valued at almost €3,000 and we know that they will be put to great use to help keep local communities free of dog litter.”

Sinead McDonnell, Environment Awareness Officer, Limerick City Council, said dog litter is not only a nuisance but can carry diseases which can be harmful to humans.

"Dog litter should be disposed of in your nearest litter bin or dog fouling bin. Ideally, Tidy Towns Groups should not have to clean up because dog walkers would clean up after their own dogs but the fact is although the situation is improving, dog litter is something that still has to be cleaned up as part of most community clean-ups.”

Dog owners and the general public should note that dog litter causes a significant threat to human health through Toxocariasis, an infection caused by roundworm which lives in the intestines of dogs. This disease can occur when someone (usually a child) accidentally ingests small particles of contaminated soil. Symptoms include abdominal pain, cough and headache and in extreme cases can result in permanent vision loss.

“Always carry a bag to clean up. Failing to do so after your dog is the same as littering and is an offence under the Litter Pollution Acts. There are now a wide range of options available to dog owners for cleaning up after their dogs. Check at your local vet, pet shop or online,” Ms McDonnell said.

The 100 Maxi Zoo Litter Pickers are available for collection from Limerick City and County Council's Customer Service Desks on the ground floor of City Hall, Merchants Quay and County Hall, Dooradoyle. The offer is open to Tidy Towns Group representatives only.

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