Dog Fouling

Dog waste is very unpleasant, a nuisance and can be a public health issue. It is particularly unpleasant for people with buggies/prams and for wheelchair users, as it is easily transferred from wheel to hand. Children are particularly at risk from toxocariasis spread through infected dog faeces.

Dog fouling is litter and Section 22 of the Litter Pollution Act 1997 as amended makes it an offence for a person in charge of a dog not to clean up immediately after their dog fouls in a public place. The faeces must be properly disposed of in a suitable sanitary manner.

Anyone identified not picking up their dogs waste will be issued with a litter fine of €150 or possible prosecution in court, which can incur a fine of up to €4,000

Children are particularly at risk and infection can lead to illness and even partial blindness.  This is an entirely preventable health risk and the principal reason that dog owners should clean up after their pets. 

Freshly deposited faeces are not infectious because toxocara eggs do not become infectious for at least 2-3 weeks after the faeces have been deposited.

NB: There is no risk of catching toxocariasis whilst immediately cleaning after your dog.

Toxocariasis is a disease found in animal faeces and is caused by the eggs of the roundworm toxocara. These can be passed from dogs to humans through contact with animal faeces and contaminated soil.

To report incidents of dog fouling, please contact Cavan County Council’s Waste Management Section by:

• Phone: 049 437 8409 ·
• Email: waste@cavancoco.ie
• Online: by completing the Council’s Environmental Complaint Form

Cavan County Council has published a “Responsible Dog Ownership” information booklet which can be downloaded here.

The Council has also installed dog fouling combi bins (bin and bag dispensers) along footpaths and along walking routes in towns and villages.

Useful contacts

• Dog Warden Cavan Dog Pound, Legaland, Crossdoney.
• Tel: 049 433 7545