Kilkenny Faces Health Risks from Lack of Dog Fouling Fines

Data from Vision Ireland, an organization dedicated to supporting individuals who are blind or visually impaired, has highlighted a significant public health issue in Kilkenny. In 2024, local authorities issued a mere 48 fines for dog fouling across the entire country, with Kilkenny astonishingly recording no fines at all throughout the year. This lack of enforcement contrasts sharply with the 123 parking fines issued in the same timeframe.

The overall trend shows a decline in dog fouling fines, with 48 fines in 2024 compared to 46 in 2023, both numbers significantly lower than the 82 fines recorded in 2022. Cork County Council stood out as the most proactive, issuing 11 fines, while numerous local authorities reported issuing only one or two. Alarmingly, fourteen local authorities, nearly half, reported zero fines for dog fouling last year.

Public Concern Over Health Risks

A survey conducted among 281 individuals who are blind or vision impaired revealed that 42% of respondents frequently encounter dog waste on public footpaths. This troubling statistic has prompted serious concerns from Vision Ireland regarding the potential health risks associated with dog fouling.

A spokesperson for Vision Ireland emphasized that individuals with visual impairments who use mobility aids face heightened risks. “Not only does dog fouling present a slipping hazard, but it can also be a major problem for white cane users whose canes are dirtied by faeces,” they stated. The spokesperson pointed out that when canes are folded, the contamination poses hygiene and health risks.

Kevin Kelly, Head of Policy and External Affairs at Vision Ireland, stressed that fines alone are insufficient to address the problem. “We urge the public to be more considerate of the needs of everyone who uses our shared spaces,” Kelly noted, advocating for increased awareness and responsibility among dog owners.

The findings underscore a broader issue of public health and accessibility in Kilkenny, raising questions about the effectiveness of current enforcement measures and the need for community engagement to mitigate risks for vulnerable populations. As the city grapples with these challenges, the call for a more responsible approach to pet ownership grows louder, emphasizing the importance of maintaining clean public spaces for all citizens.