Corona Virus scare- COVID-19 coronavirus Global Pandemic 2020. A man takes an opportunity to walk his dog at the Marina, Cork during bright Spring weather at the weekend. Walking, jogging and cycling are popular activities now that social-distancing procedures are necessary to fight the spread of the virus in the community. Pic; Larry Cummins

'It's everywhere': Increase in dog poo left on Cork city pavements during coronavirus emergency

Dog poo on pavements and in parks has increased in recent days and weeks with more people out walking their pets without picking up after their animal.

Both councillors and the council have urged the public to remember their responsibility as a dog owner to bag and bin dog poop if nature calls to their pet while out and about.

Speaking to The Echo, Labour councillor John Maher in Ballyvolane said he is out walking most days and within his 2km radius, dog poo seems to be everywhere.

“It is everywhere, it’s crazy. The bottom line is you have to pick up after your dog, I don’t get it.” Mr Maher said anyone who sees someone out walking their dog and leaving dog poo on the pavement or in a park should call them out on it and ask them to pick up after their animal.

“It is always the people you least expect to leave it behind. It is part of the responsibility of dog ownership. I don’t buy it if someone says they don’t know they are supposed to pick up after their pet. We all know.” The Labour councillor said that personal responsibility has a huge part to play in the battle against dog poo.





“This needs to go to personal responsibility, bag it and bin it, it’s that simple,” Mr Maher said.

Cork City Council also reminded dog owners that they are responsible for their dog's poo.

“In the current public health emergency, Cork City Council would like to remind dog owners of their responsibility to clean up after their dog.

“During this time and with the improvement in weather conditions there is an increase in the level of people out walking and exercising.

“Footpaths and green areas are there for everyone to use and enjoy and we would ask dog owners to bring a bag with them to scoop the poop and dispose of dog fouling in a responsible manner. Any of Cork City Council’s Litter bins can be used to dispose of dog fouling.” The council also reminded the public that the council’s Litter Warden Service is operating as normal and on the spot fines of €150 can be issued where the Warden observes dog fouling taking place and the owner or person in charge of the dog fails to clean up after the dog.