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A new Sinn F\u00e9in Bill proposes to make it mandatory for all dog owners to carry litter bags, or face a fine.<\/p>\nA new Sinn F\u00e9in Bill proposes to make it mandatory for all dog owners to carry litter bags, or face a fine.<\/p>\n
The purpose of the Litter Pollution Amendment of the Dog Litter Control Bill 2019 \u201cis to impress those in charge of dogs the importance of picking up their pet\u2019s feces when in public by making it an offence not to produce a suitable bag when in charge of a dog and when requested to do so by a dog warden, litter warden, or member of An Garda Siochana\u201d.<\/p>\n
The party says the bill would make the possession of a dog litter bag a similar requirement to that of a leash when out walking a dog, and face the same on-the-spot fine if a bag cannot be produced.<\/p>\n
The genesis of the bill came about after a number of local residents on canvasses reported the issue of dog litter when speaking to Sinn F\u00e9in representatives.<\/p>\n
Party sources say the are hoping for cross-party support on the bill.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe know the issue is raised in all constituencies so we would be hoping that all parties would see the serious health implications involved in the issue,\u201d a spokesman said.<\/p>\n
The bill is sponsored by TDs Sean Crowe and Kathleen Funchion and is hoped to be introduced to the Dail on Wednesday.<\/p>\n
Mr Crowe says a minority of dog owners who do not clean up after their dog are putting others at risk.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s time literally to cut the shit and clamp down on the small but significant group of irresponsible dog owners who continue to destroy and pollute our communities,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is an important and serious health issue which is constantly raised by constituents on the doors, in clinics and even when just out walking about.<\/p>\n
\u201cDespite the introduction of the law making it an offence to not pick up your dog\u2019s litter, our parks and communities are still littered with dog excrement.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is partially because wardens have to actually witness a dog fouling and the person responsible leaving the dog\u2019s waste behind in order to impose a penalty. A small minority of dog owners simply don\u2019t give a damn what their dog does and have no real fear of being caught under the current legislation.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is also a serious public health issue as dog litter carries disease which can lead to fever, cough or wheezing, enlarged liver, rash or swollen lymph nodes and even blindness.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf a child or an adult gets this on their skin they could potentially be damaged for life.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis new legislation makes it easier for wardens to impose fines on irresponsible dog owners by making it an offence to be in charge of a dog in public without having a suitable bag or instrument to properly dispose of its waste.\u201d<\/p>\n