The problem of dog fouling on our streets can ruin the most pleasant of walks. As a response to this, some members of the Bath Avenue and District Residents Association (BADRA) are taking matters into their own hands, handing out biodegradable bags to dog walkers in the area as part of an awareness campaign on the issue.
They plan to meet every weekend on the Dodder Walk near London Bridge. On 26th April, NewsFour joined them and spoke to Paul Nugent and Septa Hopkins, who were the first two volunteers at the scene.
“Most people are responsible dog owners, I want to make that clear, but I think some people have simply become blind in acceptance of this and activities like today will hopefully succeed in sowing the seed in people’s minds. There are notices around the place but we feel it will be much more effective to actually go up to people with the bags. Today is about building awareness and the number of bags we hand out is irrelevant,” Paul explained. “We want the locals walking their dogs to take pride in their community,” added Septa.
Local resident Frank Murray drove all the way from Cork to be part of the initiative. It was Frank who first mentioned the idea to Paul from the residents’ committee. “I was taking my own dog for a walk along the river and thought how unhealthy it was, particularly for people with strollers or children, and decided that something needs to be done.”
Leading by example on the day was Paul’s Weinheimer pup, Kai, who was impeccably behaved and posed for photos.
As more volunteers arrived, NewsFour was told that they will be working in shifts throughout the afternoon. Eibhlis Keating explained that she is liaising with Dublin City Council about the installation of bins for the dog bags. “It’s not nice for people to have to walk for long distances with the bags in their hands. I am awaiting a response from DCC on this.”
Pictured, from left: Frank Murray, Eibhlis Keating, Arlene McCarthy, Paul Nugent and Septa Hopkins.
By Maria Shields O’Kelly
