‘Bag It Bin It’ campaign launched in Castletown

By Dan Walsh

Cllr Joe Sullivan, Cathaoirleach Wexford County Council presented a copy of the educational anti-dog fouling resource pack for primary schools to Principal Ms. Emer Russell and students at Scoil Ghormáin Naofa, Castletown last week

The ‘Bag It Bin It’ education pack which has been sent out to all primary schools in Co. Wexford aims to bring the topic of dog-fouling into the classroom through a variety of lesson plans and activities.

Cllr Joe Sullivan stated that “Great work has been done to raise awareness of the issue of dog fouling on footpaths, trails and parks, but this education pack has heightened the significance of this amongst our students. “They have learned about the health hazards it can pose, and how harmful it is to the environment. All dog owners have a civic responsibility to clean up after their dogs and if we all bag it and bin it, we can protect our communities, our wildlife and our outdoor spaces,” concluded Cllr Sullivan.

Cliona Connolly, Environment Awareness Officer, Wexford County Council, said; “We all know dog poo is unsightly, and discarded poo can pose a health risk as it contains harmful bacteria and parasites. Parents with buggies, children, wheelchair users and the visually impaired are particularly at risk of stepping in or wheeling through dog poo, and being exposed to health implications, not to mention the unpleasantness and inconvenience of getting poo on shoes, hands or wheels.”

Cabrini Desmond, Wexford County Council’s Dog Warden stated; “Most dog owners act responsibly but those who do not clean up after their dogs create a serious environmental and public health issue for everyone else.”

Emer Russell, Principal of Scoil Ghormáin Naofa said; “We were delighted to welcome Cllr Joe Sullivan Cathaoirleach Wexford County Council along with Cabrini Desmond, dog warden and members of the environment section to our school to launch the Bag it Bin It initiative.