Derramore Forest staff appeal To ‘irresponsible dog owners’
Slieve Gullion area Councillor Declan Murphy has appealed to dog owners to act responsibility and have respect for the community and clean up after your dog.
Cllr Murphy made his appeal after National Trust staff appealed to dog owners using the Derramore Estate to pick up after their dogs.
The local Councillor explained, “Recently National Trust staff at Derramore have started putting yellow painted patches to highlight the issue of irresponsible dog owners failing to pick up after their dog.
"This issue has got totally out of hand. We have many families, schools and young people visit Derramore Forest to walk the forest or to use the play area and dog dirt is hugely dangerous.”
The Sinn Féin elected representative said the issue was not confined to Derramore Forest area alone.
“Our public parks and walkways are wonderful spaces for recreation, relaxation, and connecting with nature,” he added.
“There has been an increase in instances where dogs are off-leash, leading to concerns about safety and cleanliness.
“I want to emphasise the importance of responsible dog ownership to ensure that everyone can continue to enjoy our public spaces safely and comfortably.”
Concluding Cllr Murphy appealed, ”I urge all dog owners to be responsible stewards by cleaning up after their pets. It is essential for the cleanliness and hygiene of our public spaces that dog waste is promptly and properly disposed of.
“Dog waste left behind can pose health risks and detract from the overall enjoyment of our parks.
“Let's work together to maintain the beauty and functionality of our public areas. By following these simple guidelines, we can ensure that our shared spaces remain safe, welcoming, and enjoyable for all members of our community.”