What is it?

In 2021, ‘Clean it up you dirty pup!’ - Galway City Council’s novel community engagement approach to tackling dog litter in Galway City - achieved a reduction of 60% dog fouling in the five trial areas. Galway City Council is now seeking volunteers to roll out the successful campaign in new areas in the city.

The initiative is aimed at irresponsible dog owners who do not clean up after their dogs.

Galway City Council engaged with various Residents Associations, Tidy Towns, as well as community and business groups. Volunteers got involved by spraying and counting individual dog foulings on a weekly basis in a defined area (with environmentally friendly chalk based, yellow spray paint) and reporting back to Galway City Council.

The 'Clean it up you dirty pup!' campaign is a highly visible and 'querky' campaign that gained national prominence last year. It has engaged with community groups and volunteers and achieved an overall reduction in dog fouling of 60% in the 5 trial areas. One of the areas witnessed a 75% reduction in a 6 week period. It has also promoted responsible dog ownership and we look forward to working with more community groups over the coming months.”

In addition to the volunteer support, Galway City Council will stencil footpaths in the problem areas with the message 'Clean it up you dirty pup!' and erect highly visible posters.

How do I get involved?

If a Residents Association, Tidy Towns group, community or business group would like to volunteer or seek further information, please email environment@galwaycity.ie.  Galway City Council staff would meet the volunteers and demonstrate how to safely use the chalk based spray can.

Under the Litter pollution ACT 1997, dog owners are legally obliged to clean up after their pets, if they go to the toilet in public places. Those who do not clean up after their dog are liable to receive a €150 on the spot fine or Pay €3,000 in court on prosecution for non-payment.