New Green Dog Walker initiative is launched
11/09/2024
Cork City Council is launching a Green Dog Walker initiative, a community-led project designed to promote responsible dog ownership and foster a cleaner, healthier city.
This campaign encourages dog walkers to not only clean up after their pets but also to carry extra bags to share with others, helping to address the persistent issue of dog fouling in public spaces.
The Green Dog Walker® initiative is a call to action for residents who love dogs and want to enhance their neighbourhood. It follows community feedback collected through the Local Economic and Community Plan (LECP).
Dog waste contains bacteria like E Coli and Salmonella and parasites like roundworm that can cause disease in the lungs, eyes, and skin, and symptoms like cramps, diarrhoea, dehydration, and kidney issues.
The programme seeks to create greener, cleaner, and more pleasant communities for all and underscores the importance of shared responsibility in maintaining public space.
The Green Dog Walker Initiative will deliver a range of resources including:
- Recruitment of Volunteers: Dog owners across Cork City are encouraged to become Green Dog Walkers, serving as role models for responsible dog ownership.
- Green Dog Walker® Packs: Volunteers will receive a pack containing a Hi-Viz Vest, poop bags and holder, and a harness & lead for their dog.
- Promotion: Selected volunteers will be invited to City Hall to launch their role as ambassador and sign a Green Dog Walk pledge and receive their packs.
- Extra Dog Waste Bags: Provided to participants to distribute to other dog walkers, reinforcing the community spirit of the initiative.
The program will be implemented throughout Cork City, with a presence in 44 neighbourhoods across the city. The campaign’s city-wide scope is intended to encourage widespread participation and ensure impact.
"From a public health perspective, dog fouling is a cause for concern. We are hoping that some of our residents, who are as passionate about their dog as they are of Cork will come on board. From a practical side, everyone knows the hassle of trying to clean dog waste off their shoe or the wheel on a wheelchair or pram so we want to reduce that risk and have a healthier city” said Tanya O’Sullivan, Local Development Officer, Slaintecare Healthy Communities Programme.
Cork City Council invites any interested dog owners to join the Green Dog Walker initiative. To learn about becoming a Green Dog Walker Ambassador, email community@corkcity.ie
Further Information on Slaintecare Healthy Communities: Click here: https://www.gov.ie/en/press-release/0e613-slaintecare-healthy-communities/#-
Participating Stakeholders
- Volunteer ambassadors from across the 44 neighbourhoods in the city.
- Cork City Council (Slaintecare Healthy Communities, Operations)
Further Information on Slaintecare Healthy Communities: Click here: https://www.gov.ie/en/press-release/0e613-slaintecare-healthy-communities/#-