CONCERNS have been raised by members of public in Derrygonnelly regarding persistent dog fouling in the village.

One local resident contacted this newspaper to express her disgust over the issue.

She said: “There are a lot of dog faeces on the pavements – it is just horrible, especially at the moment when all of the children are off school.

“Every morning we go out and there is fresh dog poo outside. We have contacted the council on the issue, but the matter has not been resolved.

"It is a serious health hazard, as young children could pick it up.”

When asked when she had first noticed the problem, the resident said that the level of dog faeces had noticeably increased since Christmas.

She added: “Some people are trying their best to pick up the faeces, but others are not. Every morning we go out and there is fresh dog poo outside.”

When questioned on the issue of dog fouling in Derrygonnelly, a spokesperson for Fermanagh and Omagh District Council said: "The Council is aware of a complaint with regard to dog fouling in the area and Dog Control staff are currently investigating the matter.

"In the interim, additional patrols will be undertaken in the area, where resources allow, given the current restrictions in place to curb the spread of Covid-19.

"Leaflets on dog fouling will also be distributed in due course.

"The Council is proactive in the promotion of responsible dog ownership and would appeal to all dog owners to clean up after their dogs.

"Dog fouling is both a nuisance and a serious health hazard, as dog faeces can cause illness and even blindness.

"Dog waste can be placed in any public litter bin or in the household black or green landfill bin.

"The Council would encourage dog owners and dog walkers to sign up to the Green Dog Walkers scheme, to adopt a responsible attitude to cleaning up dog mess and, in doing so, help alleviate the difficulties caused by dog fouling.

"The Council would also remind dog owners that there are financial penalties for breaching any regulations in relation to dogs.

"Any person in charge of a dog will be guilty of an offence if they are in breach of any of these regulations, including dog fouling, permitting an unlicensed dog or allowing a dog to stray.

"If found guilty, they will be liable, upon conviction, of a fine up to £1,000 while a fixed penalty of £75 may be issued."