Seán Ó Laoide County Veterinary Officer. Better Links Stronger Communities Tidy Towns Conference 2019 Responsible Dog Ownership Seán Ó Laoide County Veterinary Officer.

Outline of presentation The Law Components of Responsible Dog Ownership Dog Fouling Westmeath County Council Experience

The Law Control of Dogs Acts Under the Control of Dogs Act 1986 as amended by the Control of Dogs (Amendment) Act 1992 all local authorities in Ireland are responsible for the control of dogs. Local authorities have the power to appoint dog wardens, provide dog shelters, seize dogs, impose on-the-spot fines and take court proceedings against owners.

The Law Section 2 :Prohibition on keeping a dog without a licence. Section 9 1) The owner or any other person in charge of a dog shall not permit the dog to be in any place other than.. a) the premises of the owner, or (b) the premises of such other person in charge of the dog, or (c) the premises of any other person, with the consent of that person, unless such owner or such other person in charge of the dog accompanies it and keeps it under effectual control.

The Law Other Important Sections Section 25 : Barking Section 22 Dangerous Dogs Limitations of the Acts Reactive rather than proactive. No definition of “effectual control “. No duty of care provision leading to a casual approach to dog ownership.

Components of Responsible Dog Ownership Acquiring knowledge required for good decision making. Serious consideration of the responsibilities of dog ownership. Commitment to legal compliance. Commitment to societal and environmental responsibilities. The key components of responsible dog acquisition : Appropriate Dog Appropriate Facilities Appropriate owner – matching lifestyle.

Dog Fouling Litter Pollution Act Under Section 22 of the Litter Pollution Act 1997 it is an offence to allow a dog under your control to foul a public place. This means the owner or person in charge of the dog is required to remove dog faeces and dispose of them in a suitable, sanitary manner. You can complain to the District Court under the litter laws against an owner or someone in charge of a dog who allows that dog to foul public places and who fails to act responsibly. Before you do this, you must first inform the dog owner of your intention by completing a special form available from the Dog Control Unit of your local authority

Westmeath County Council’s Experience

Dog Fouling :Key Actions : Distribution of leaflets re responsible dog ownership Targeting of estates for dog fouling/control/licences Enforcement / On the spot fines Bin stickers Poster campaign for veterinary clinics and pet shops Poster campaign for community groups Warden asks people walking their dog if they have a bag and supplies them if they don't Large newspaper adverts Introduction of Green Dog Walkers initiative Golden Ticket award Press releases Pop up banners advertising "any bag any bin" - displayed at all public functions Animal husbandry talks by wardens as part of their green school visits School competition highlighting issue of dog fouling Increased signage on wardens vans Increased signage at pound Work with community groups to highlight issues Promote policy at community & enterprise workshops Promoting benefits of neutering/spaying/micro chipping etc Promotion of legal requirements of dog owner Supply free bags at libraries and swimming pool Provision of dog fouling bag dispenser. Stencils on foothpaths

Stages to Behavioural Change Awareness Motivation Action

What is Green Dog Walkers? It involves empowering local communities and groups to meet the challenges of dog fouling in a non-confrontational, friendly way. Dog owners are encouraged to “take a pledge” whereby, they agree to comply with certain criteria including wearing of a green dog walkers hi vis vest/ use dog bag dispenser when walking their dog, cleaning up after their dog, and encouraging  others to clean up after their dog and being willing to “lend” a bag to those without.

behavioural change among dog owners The tools required to bring about behavioural change include increasing of : awareness, education and enforcement of the Litter Pollution Act. Westmeath County Council has been actively engaged with this issue over the past number of years.

Responsible dog Ownership

Green Dog Walkers

Bin the Poo

Any Bag any Bin

Litter / Waste – Preventative Solutions Audio Device Litter / Waste – Preventative Solutions Programmable Audio Device Proven to reduce illegal dumping by 80% Proven to reduce dog fouling by 82% The purpose of the Audio Device is to... Reinforce current messages through an innovative new method. Target popular dog walking areas. Accelerate changes to behaviour regarding dog owners carrying dog foul bags and cleaning after their dogs. Change culture such that not cleaning dog foul is socially unacceptable – this will create a ‘self-policing’ culture over time. Deliver a safer environment for all to enjoy.

Conclusions Cultural Change is evident in relation to Dog Ownership – Now dogs increasingly seen as members of the family. Dog Owner behavioural change required regarding social and environmental responsibility.