As part of the Council’s commitment to tackling the problem of dog fouling throughout the Borough, support is now offered to community groups or residents interested in establishing a Dog Watch group. These groups will help tackle dog fouling in their own area while also helping the Council provide a highly visible and prompt response to concerns raised about dog fouling in an area that has received high levels of complaints.  

 Ryan Johnston, Senior Enforcement Officer explains:

“The Dog Watch Scheme is an opportunity for local residents to come together and help tackle dog fouling in their area. The Council will provide residents with high visibility ‘Dog Watch’ vest, a supply of dog waste bags and information leaflets for dog walkers. In addition, Dog Watch signs and anti-fouling pavement markings will be placed on the footpaths in these problem areas. Already we have been working with the Residents of Straid and it’s been a great success.  Residents have been acting as the ‘eyes and ears’ of the community, working with the Council to identify offenders. We want to make it clear that the Council will take the strongest possible action against the irresponsible minority who continue to deface the Borough and we will not tolerate this thoughtless anti-social behaviour.”

Norman Ramsay of Straid Residents Association added:

“The residents of Straid Village welcome the Council’s Pilot Scheme to tackle the ongoing problem of dog fouling. Whilst the majority of dog owners are responsible there are those in society who are irresponsible and need to be held to account for leaving their dog’s mess on our streets. Hopefully the implementation of the new initiative together with the proposed increase of the fixed penalty to £80 will go some way to encouraging them to do so. I would take this opportunity to thank Newtownabbey Borough Councils Enforcement Team for their co-operation and interest.”

 For further information on forming a Dog Watch Group in your area, contact the Environmental Health Department on 028 9034 0160 or email envhealth@newtownabbey.gov.uk