Dog fouling appeal from Strabane group

A GROUP of young adults with learning disabilities have made an impassioned plea for dog owners to be more mindful of their pets’ fouling, after one person was injured trying to avoid dog dirt.

In a letter to this newspaper signed by seven clients at the New Horizons Partnership, the group outlined its collective anger at the burgeoning problem.

New Horizons Partnership, which provides vital learning and community support services for adults with mild or moderate learning challenges, is situated in the Orchard Road Industrial Estate.

However on a daily basis during walks, the trainees at the partnership are encountering more and more dog fouling which they emphasise, can be harmful to their health.

“When we go out for a walk, I see lots of dog dirt on the pavements,” the letter explained. “I (once) fell over trying to avoid it. I got hurt and we are so angry… We walk around with it on our shoes (and it) goes into our cars and buses. It’s bad for our health. We would like to see the law followed…”

Cormac Woods, Client Service co-ordinator with the partnership added, “Every day, since we moved in here two years ago, the group encounters at least one instant of dog fouling on their walks and it’s a daily challenge to avoid it. The trainees love going out on their walks but trying to avoid the dog dirt sullies what should be a great experience for them, getting out and seeing about them.”

He continued, “One trainee fell in the dog dirt in the process of trying to avoid it and hurt themselves in the process. Thankfully none got on their face or in their eyes, which would have caused major damage.”

He continued, “It isn’t just around the industrial estate either; the trainees often go for walks around the around the newly-resurfaced area by O’Neills. The dog dirt there was noticeable before but has become more so since the refurbishment, which is putting the trainees off going out. Some of them have sensory issues and get very upset if any gets on their clothes or feet as the smell stays with them.”

Driven by the desire to rid the streets of the problem, the trainees are being encouraged to empower themselves by undertaking a project to try and stop it from happening, through letter-writing and sign making.

Client Facilitator and keyworker at New Horizons Audrey Brown remarked, “Encountering dog dirt and having it on your clothes is distressing for anyone, but especially so for someone on the spectrum, which a lot of these individuals are. The group I take out, all of whom are very strongly opinionated, undertook this campaign with gusto and we are determined to see something done. All we are asking for are bins and signage to be erected so that dog walkers are made aware of the dangers of not picking up their dog’s business and be aware of other pavement users.”

Ms Brown recently secured a meeting with Mayor Patricia Logue to take place on May 7 so she can discuss with what needs to be done for the learning disabled community vis-à-vis this issue.

After being contacted this week, a spokesperson for Derry City and Strabane District Council said, “We would like to remind dog owners that it is their legal responsibility to pick up after their pets, and failing to do so is not only inconsiderate, it poses a risk to other people and could result in a £100 fine. Dog fouling can be reported to dogcontrol@derrystrabane.com.”