Mid and East Antrim Borough Council have teamed up with Ballymena Business Improvement District to encourage dog owners to take the Green Dog Walkers pledge and ‘leave only paw prints’ on our streets.
As restrictions continue to ease, local businesses are enjoying a steady increase in footfall within our town centres, so it is important that our streets are inviting for all and free from dog foul and other litter.
Mayor, Councillor William McCaughey, is reminding everyone within the community to continue playing their part in ensuring our spaces are clean and safe for all to use.
“As a responsible dog owner, cleaning up after your pooch keeps our streets clean and protects everyone in our community.
“I would like to thank all the dog owners who continue to do that and encourage anyone who hasn’t signed up to the council’s Green Dog Walkers pledge to do so.
“Council is committed to tackling the issue through the successful Green Dog Walkers initiative and our enforcement officers will continue with the zero tolerance approach to this type of irresponsible behaviour.
“Since the spring of last year, 90 fixed penalty notices have been handed out and, on one occasion, a dog owner was prosecuted at Ballymena Magistrates Court for failure to pick up after his dog.
“This prosecution shows that when those impacted by dog fouling want to see things in their neighbourhood improve, they will be supported by Council, who where necessary will take action through the courts.”
To join other responsible dog owners across Mid and East Antrim, take the Green Dog Walkers pledge now at: www.midandeastantrim.gov.uk/greendogwalkers
If you’re part of a community organisation and wish to get involved in promoting the Green Dog Walkers Scheme please contact us via email at: greendogwalkers@midandeastantrim.gov.uk
Pictured is Clare Moore – Ballymena BID & Gary Gordon – Enforcement Officer,
