It's a foul problem across Armagh city centre
Stopping short of a dirty protest
Retailers in the lower quadrants of the city seem to share one common problem - and for once it’s not the rates bill or the rising cost of electric. This one has a fouler air! It would seem a phantom dog is leaving its calling card almost daily, literally, on the doorsteps.
To be fair, it wasn’t something which we at Armagh I had noticed before moving to Barrack Street, but now with our own doorstep becoming the latest to be stealthily soiled - it’s quite frustrating.
And it’s now become a talking point when purchasing a coffee or our favourite sweet treats from the bakery - with businesses now turning to us asking us to highlight their plight.
The trail of dog fouling which appears to run along Barrack Street and up Scotch Street is now at the point of nothing short of terrier…ism.
We must remember not to blame the poor, defenceless animal at this point and rather than point the mucky finger of blame, let’s try to understand how this could happen… repeatedly… daily! (rolls eyes).
Many residents are still under the impression that you must use dog waste bins only, but council guidance on this has since been updated to encourage dog owners to use any general litter bin. That said, this will only work where a responsible dog owner has taken bags with them and is actually prepared to use them.
Back in March of this year Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council’s environmental services committee recommended the level of fine imposed on those within the borough caught littering or failing to clean up their dog’s mess to be increased, but since then the problem seems to be more foul than ever!
By culture it’s “what’s the council doing to stop this"? This is wholly unfair. The council and enforcement officers can only do so much - it also comes down to educating the public.
We spoke to some of our neighbours and here’s what they had to say
Either way, local business owners will probably, for the foreseeable future be spotted wielding buckets of hot, soapy water in the effected areas until pet owners start taking more responsibility - as for shoppers - always look down!
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It’s not a problem exclusive to Scotch/Barrack Street. I’ve noticed it in Navan Steet, Thomas Street,English Street and quite a lot on Desart Lane! The majority of dog owners are very responsible though.
Banbrook Hill has a terrible problem with dog poo there are no bins to encourage people 😕