There is growing concern at an increased in the number of dog fouling incidents taking place in one of Derry’s most picturesque areas.
Sinn Fein Cllr Bridget Meehan said she was concerned about the extent of dog fouling in the Riverview Terrace and Dunfield areas of the Waterside, especially given there was a playpark at Riverview.
Cllr Meehan was speaking after the problem had complained that the problem appeared to be escalating.
She added: “People might not be aware just how harmful and dangerous dog waste can be.
“A single gramme of dog waste can contain 23 million types of bacteria which are known to cause cramps, diarrhoea, intestinal illness and serious kidney disorders in humans.
“Dog waste is also one of the most common carriers of diseases such as heartworms, whipworms, hookworms, roundworms and tapeworms.
“If dogs have not been wormed, their waste can cause toxocariasis which leads to partial blindness in children.”
Cllr Meehan revealed she had contacted the dog wardens at Derry City Council who have carried out a clean-up of Riverview and were scheduled clean-up of Dunfield.
She called on dog owners to be more responsible when walking their pets and to remember they were obliged to pick up waste from their dog.
Fines of £75 can be issued to owners who fail clean up their dog’s waste.
Cllr Meehan concluded: “A dog foul bin is installed outside the Riverview playpark for dog owners’ use and I would encourage people to make use of it.”
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