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Cork City Council has announced the launch of the Green Dog Walker initiative, a community-led project aimed at fostering responsible dog ownership while promoting a cleaner and healthier city. The initiative encourages dog walkers not only to clean up after their pets but also to carry extra waste bags to share with other dog owners, helping address the ongoing issue of dog fouling in public spaces.

The Green Dog Walker® initiative was developed in response to community feedback gathered through the Local Economic and Community Plan (LECP). It calls on residents who love their dogs and wish to improve their neighbourhoods to get involved. Dog waste poses serious health risks, as it can contain harmful bacteria like E. coli and Salmonella, as well as parasites such as roundworm, which may cause conditions affecting the lungs, eyes, and skin. The symptoms associated with exposure include cramps, diarrhoea, dehydration, and kidney issues.

This initiative aims to create cleaner, greener, and more pleasant communities by emphasising the importance of shared responsibility for public spaces. It will be rolled out in 44 neighbourhoods across Cork City to ensure a wide-reaching impact.

As part of the programme, Cork City Council will provide several resources to support the initiative, including:

• Recruitment of Volunteers: Dog owners in Cork City are invited 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 ambassador roles, sign a Green Dog Walk pledge, and receive their packs.
• Extra Dog Waste Bags: These will be provided to participants to distribute to other dog walkers, reinforcing the community’s collective effort.

Tanya O’Sullivan, Local Development Officer for the Sláintecare Healthy Communities Programme, expressed her enthusiasm for the initiative:

Tanya O’Sullivan, Local Development Officer, Sláintecare Healthy Communities Programme:

“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.”

Cork City Council invites interested dog owners to participate in the Green Dog Walker initiative. To learn more or to become a Green Dog Walker Ambassador, please email [email protected].

Participating Stakeholders:

• Volunteer ambassadors from across Cork City’s 44 neighbourhoods
• Cork City Council (Sláintecare Healthy Communities, Operations)

For more information on the Sláintecare Healthy Communities Programme, click here.