A fine mess... Just 82 Dubs paid penalty for dog-fouling in 3 years

JUST 131 dog owners have been fined for dog fouling in Dublin city over a threeyear period.

Figures for 2014 to 2017 reveal that while 131 fines were issued, just 82 of them were paid, according to new figures. Dublin City councillor Patrick Costello expressed outrage at what he said was the lack of enforcement of the laws on fouling, describing it as a ‘public health’ issue.

According to the figures released to the councillor, the Dublin South Central region issued more fines than all the other areas combined, and in 2015, was the only area to issue any punishments at all.

In 2015, 26 fines were laid down in the area. However, no fines at all were issued in Dublin Central, North Central, North West or South East. The following year, 78 people were fined across the city, with 45 people paying the fee.

In comparison, so far this year, just four people have been caught; only one has paid the penalty to date, and all offences took place in the Dublin Central area. ‘The numbers don’t lie. More must be done on dog s***,’ Cllr Costello said. ‘Dog s*** on the streets is not just littering, it is a public health issue and is frankly disgusting.’

Dog fouling carries fines starting from €150. If owners fail to pay, they can be brought to court where they can be hit with fines of up to €4,000.