Responsible Dog Ownership Please!

During the recent Ryan Tubridy broadcast one email contributor made the comment that “Cobh is a town on the up!” That broadcast was just the latest in a long list of good news stories that have been creating a mood of positivity in our town. The epitome of this positivity was our Tidy Towns success and our recent IBAL rating. Additions such as the Cobh Road Train, the seasonal Jarveys, the Titanic Experience (White-star building) and an ever increasing number of visiting liners and cruise ships are all combining to enhance our town as a destination for local day-trippers and both national and international visitors.

Of course, this year we also look forward to the Titanic commemorations with great expectation.

A town that already had so much to offer now offers even more! However, there is one issue that continues to damage our reputation and to ruin much of the hard work engaged in by Cobh Tidy Towns, Cobh Town Council outdoor staff and others. This is the issue of dog dirt. The Town Council have issued fines to people who have failed to clean up after their dogs and we will continue to do so where possible. But the only real solution to this problem is a change in the attitude of those who continue to disrespect our beautiful town in this way.

Given the free availability of “poop scoops” at a number of outlets in the town there is absolutely no excuse for this disrespect.

Both locals and visitors have contacted me in recent weeks expressing concern about this issue and I’m sure it is an issue that concerns many more. I am taking this opportunity to appeal for more responsible dog ownership and for every dog owner to play his/her part in eliminating this disgusting problem.

Cllr. Jim Quinlan, Mayor of Cobh.