Dog owners encouraged to clean up their act with new pledge
4 March 2026
Derry City and Strabane District Council is encouraging responsible dog ownership with two schemes launched this week by the Mayor, Councillor Ruairí McHugh.
Dog owners are being invited to sign the Green Dog Walker’s Pledge, promising to pick up after their pets as part of a new initiative to support the local community in tackling the problem of dog fouling.
Anyone can join the scheme by signing a pledge to clean up after their dogs and to support other dog walkers by carrying extra dog bags to share them if needed. In return, they’ll receive a Green Dog Walker's lead, a key ring and a small quantity of dog waste bags.
Reinforcing this, Council today renewed its campaign to clamp down on dog fouling with the reminder to ‘Pick up the Poo or it’s a £100 fine for you” and additional patrols by enforcement officers in hotspot areas. Anyone caught failing to clean up after their pet is littering and can be issued with a £100 on the spot fine.
The message is that failing to pick up dog waste is not only inconsiderate and unsightly but also poses a serious risk to public health. Dog fouling can carry harmful bacteria and parasites, which present particular dangers to children, older people, and those with weakened immune systems.
Launching the campaign, Mayor of Derry and Strabane, Councillor Ruairí McHugh, said:
“Dog fouling is an issue that generates significant concern from residents right across our Council area. It is unacceptable that a small minority of irresponsible owners are spoiling walkways, parks and other outdoor areas.
“Picking up after your dog is a simple act of consideration and civic responsibility. This campaign is about reminding everyone that we all have a role to play in keeping our streets, parks and open spaces clean and safe.”
Principal Environmental Health Officer with Council, Enda Cummins, stressed the health risks of dog fouling. “Dog waste is more than just a nuisance - it can present a genuine health hazard. We are hoping that this new pledge will remind people of their responsibility as a dog owner to carry bags at all times, dispose of waste in the dedicated dog foul bins to help us protect public spaces for everyone. Where offences are identified, Fixed Penalty Notices will be issued. I would encourage anyone who witnesses dog fouling to report it and help us identify the culprits.”
Council is encouraging residents to do their bit and support the Green Dog Walker’s pledge by signing up at www.derrystrabane.com/pledge.
To report incidents of dog fouling visit www.derrystrabane.coim/pickitup