A small number of dog owners attending this year's Foyle Maritime Fesitval have been accused of "creating issues" with dog fouling, according to the local council.
Derry City and Strabane District Council has urged dog walkers attending the Foyle Maritime Festival to act responsibly and keep their dogs on a lead and always to clean up after them.
It comes after the council received a number of complaints from the public over the issue as the popular festival started on Wednesday, July 20.
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A spokesperson for DCSDC said that in instances where an irresponsible dog owner is witnessed failing to clean up after their dog they will be issued with an £80 fixed penalty notice. The maximum court fine is £1000.
Enda Cummins Principal Environmental Health Officer with Derry City and Strabane District Council said that while Council openly welcomes dog walkers to the Foyle Maritime Festival, it is imperative that they behave responsibly at all times.
He said: “Dog owners attending the festival are reminded that they must keep their dogs on a lead at all times and that they must always clean up after them. Unfortunately, a small minority of dog walkers are presently creating issues with dog fouling, which is both a nuisance and a serious health hazard.
"Council’s Dog Wardens, Enforcement Officers, Street Cleansing staff and a number of Festival staff are doing all they can to encourage responsible dog ownership by proactively offering dog walkers a free dog foul bag as they progress along the Quay.
"We are reminding dog walkers to always carry a bag in case their dog fouls and certainly encouraging them to use it”.
Meanwhile, the council has also advised that the public refrain from walking their dogs on the quay during busy time periods. A spokesperson added: [This] can be stressful for dogs; a dog could be accidentally injured in large crowds, which also increases the resultant risk of a dog attack."
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