Clean up after your dog - parents forced to clean kids' shoes in Moneymore pond

Parents are having to clean their children’s feet in the pond in Moneymore, due to the extent of dog fouling in the village.

There’s been an increase in dog mess being left around Circular Road, Lawford Street, Fairhill and the Manor Park.

That’s according to Ulster Unionist Assembly Member for Mid-Ulster, Sandra Overend.

She says she’s been contacted by constituents who’ve complained about the problem.

She wants action to be taken to address the problem.

Mrs Overend says: “It has been reported that parents have had to clean their children’s feet in the pond of the local park, such was the extent of the problem.

 “I am aware that unfortunately this problem is not restricted to Moneymore, and I have previously received reports of issues in other towns and villages,” she says.

The MLA says only is this unsightly, it is also associated with various diseases, and is costly to send council staff out to individual sites to perform clean-up operations as a result of irresponsible dog owners.

 “I want to encourage people to ensure they have the means to clean up after their dog before they go out for a walk, whether that be a plastic shovel, or a bag to carry the mess to a bin,” she adds.

 “Those caught not cleaning up after their dog need to be rigorously dealt with by the authorities.”

 The council has the power to issue on the spot fines of up to £80, with prosecutions for those failing to pay.

 “I have written to Mid Ulster Council regarding this issue, asking them to take action, and to consider whether measures such as increased enforcement, additional signage and the installation of dog waste bins can be introduced in order to alleviate this problem.

“I would also call on dog owners to take responsibility for cleaning up after their dog, with due consideration for the local residents, fellow pedestrians and particularly children in the area,” adds Mrs Overend.