Over the last number of weeks an online community group for Killyman residents has been littered with complaints following an increase in indiscriminate dog fouling – with locals taking matters into their own hands.
The Co. Tyrone group, known as Killyman Chit Chat, has seen a number of written complaints over the Christmas period lambasting ‘selfish’ dog owners alongside several rather unsavoury photos as proof.
Speaking to Armagh I, one disgruntled resident – who wished to remain anonymous – said: “I’ve been living in Killyman for almost ten years and can safely say the dog foul is the worst I’ve ever seen.
“It has been an ongoing problem for around five years but has really ramped up in the last six months.”
During a walk from Clarefield to the bottom of the Dungorman Road and back the resident counted over 25 instances of fouling.
He added: “It’s everywhere. The footpaths are covered and it’s just left for people to walk in. Another man I’ve been talking to has stopped taking his children for walks in the area because his pram wheels and the children’s shoes have been covered.”
In reading the group’s comments it’s clear that the problem is pervasive, with one person describing the area as a “minefield”.
Outside the Primary School has been highlighted as an area of particular concern.
In a bid to tackle the problem, one well-meaning local has now taken to providing homemade ‘pet waste bag’ dispensers fashioned from recycled milk bottles.
The crafty do-gooder posted an image of the dispensers with the caption: “I’ll put out some bags tomorrow. Let’s do something for the cleanliness of our little village. Join us. I hope they’ll use them!”
The contributor also encouraged others to follow suit and create their own dispensers if they should feel so inclined.
Belonging to the Mid Ulster Council area, the quaint Killyman village is the just the latest to join a chorus of voices taking grievance with the scourge that has long plagued the Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council area as well as the Newry, Mourne and Down District Council area (NMDDC).
Enforcement often proves to be problematic and, as such, the topic never seems to retire from discussion.
Just last month (November 2024), NMDDC faced criticism over comparatively low levels of fines for littering and dog mess amid a two and a half year investigation into “the worst street in Ireland” for pet fouling.
An examination of the situation in Newry was ongoing with a report expected at the next committee meeting.
In regards to the situation in Killyman, the resident we spoke to advised that Councillor Clement Cuthbertson had been particularly helpful.
Speaking on the subject, Cllr Cuthbertson said: “Regrettably, dog fouling continues to be a problem, not only in Killyman but across the Dungannon Area.
“I have highlighted this numerous times to Council however enforcement by Council, is almost non-existent.
“Signage and social media posts are not working, we need enforcement on the streets.
“In Killyman, I have had extra bins installed to help with the problem.
“The majority of dog owners are responsible but unfortunately there is still a minority who continue to fail in cleaning up after their pet.”
A spokesperson for Mid Ulster Council said: “The Council hasn’t received any reports of increased dog fouling in the Killyman area.
“While the majority of dog owners do act responsibly and clean up after their dog, catching the people who let their dog foul is extremely difficult as most people will lift it up if they are aware they are being observed.
“We would encourage anyone who has specific information about an individual letting their dog foul, or wants to report a specific area of concern so we can monitor it more closely, to contact the Council by emailing environmentalhealth@midulstercouncil.org or by calling 03000 132 132.
“The Council continues to encourage responsible dog ownership and reminds residents that anyone found to be committing a dog fouling offence could be fined £50 or face possible prosecution.”
