Dog owners must remove their pets' waste from public places and dispose of it in a proper manner.
This obligation applies to the following places:
Dog faeces are dangerous. Dogs are known to be carriers of campylobacter and other bacteria which can prove a health hazard to humans, but the main danger to health in dog faeces is the presence of the eggs of Toxocara Canis, or dog roundworm. Once in the human body the larvae of these eggs can cause extreme fever and illness and severe damage to organs.
Contact with infected dog faeces can cause loss of sight, with children especially at risk. Please make sure your pet does not become a source of tragedy for some other family and clean up after your dog.
Complaints concerning dog fouling in a public place should be made to Freephone 1800 222226, giving details of the caller and of the person committing the offence.
Section 22 of the Litter Pollution Acts 1997 to 2009 requires that a person in charge of a dog shall immediately remove dog faeces from a public place or face an on-the-spot litter fine of €150. The maximum court fine is €3,000. Cork City Council Parks, Open Spaces and Cemeteries Bye-Laws 2011 also provides for on the spot fines.
