By Dan Walsh
Mayor of Wexford, Cllr Leonard Kelly, was on Wexford Quay today with his little friend to help relaunch and promote the Green Dog Walker Campaign in Wexford.
“The campaign is an initiative in the fight against dog litter. The programme is a positive, friendly way to change attitudes about dog fouling in County Wexford,” said Mayor Kelly, who added; “This initiative involves empowering local communities, groups and individuals to meet the challenges of dog fouling in a non-confrontational, friendly way.”Mayor Kelly stated that dog fouling is a serious health risk and young children are particularly at risk. “I hope that the dog owners of Wexford will give this initiative their full support, and I encourage them all to take the Green Dog Walkers’ pledge, always clean up after your dog and together we can reduce the incidence of dog-fouling in our community,” he concluded.
Speaking to members at last Tuesday’s monthly meeting of Gorey-Kilmuckridge Municipal District Council, Cliona Connolly from the Environment Department at Wexford County Council said that over 500 had signed up for the Green Dog Walker Campaign.
Due to the success of the campaign and the high volume of interest, the Council is out of stocks, however, the good news is that registrations will reopen once stocks are replenished.
“When you sign up to the scheme we will send you a complimentary Green Dog-Walkers high-vis vest, Green Dog-Walkers armband and a ‘doggie bone’ poop-bag dispenser with a roll of bags,” said Ms Connolly, who added; “By signing up you have ‘Taken the Pledge’ to always clean up after your dog, to carry extra doggie bags and to gladly give others a bag for their dog if they ask for one. By wearing the green armband, you are indicating that you are a responsible dog-owner participating in and supporting the scheme.”
