Keep dogs on leashes says Mayor
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DOGS being allowed run free are causing a major problem for Listowel, frightening children at play in the new playground and defecating in some of the town's most popular and sacred places.
Cllrs called on dog owners to keep their pooches on a leash at all times while exercising them in town following debate on the matter.
The issue was raised by Mayor of Listowel, Tom Walsh, who proposed an amendment to the current bye-laws to make it illegal for anyone to leave a dog off a leash within the new playground. He said a number of parents had contacted him to say that some parents using the playground were leaving their dogs off the leash.
"It is not acceptable that dogs should be allowed into an area with children playing, it can be an horrific experience for a young child to meet a dog in these circumstances if they're not used to them at home, quite apart from the fouling issue," Mayor Walsh said. Cllrs unanimously agreed with him, with Cllr Denis Stack pointing out the bye-laws already ban the unrestrained public exercising of dogs. Cllr Maria Gorman said that the laws did not prohibit the presence of dogs inside the playground however, and that this should be banned.
Cllr Tom Barry branded the problem of fouling in Listowel a 'disgrace'. "You would want to be fairly nimble on your feet to avoid what dogs are leaving on the John B Keane Road. We should send out the message that people should be more responsible when walking their dogs. The town is a disgrace," he said.
Cllr Mikey Kennelly — who often supervises training for youth at the Cow's Lawn near the playground — said he didn't think dog fouling was a major issue in that particular area.
The problem has even extended to some of the most sacred ground in Listowel, Cllr Jackie Barrett-Madigan said: "St Michael's Cemetery is a total and utter disgrace, the minute people are coming in they are letting their dogs off and they are defacating on graves, which is sacred ground." Cllrs called on people to clean up after their pets at all times.
