The growing problem of people stepping in dog poo at scenic spots across Tipperary is being tackled.
Visitors and locals have long complained about people not cleaning up after their pets in areas such as the Inch Field in Cahir, the Hills in Tipp Town or the Town Park in Thurles.
A survey conducted by the local authority unsurprisingly found that larger dogs tend to leave more poo so have taken steps to restrict access for some breeds.
Height restriction barriers are being erected on many popular walking routes in the Premier County and if your dog doesn’t fit through then they will not be allowed to continue.
Thurles Councillor Micheál Lowry says the proposals are outrageous and discriminatory.
“A contraption that measures dogs like luggage at the airport deciding who gets in and who is forever banished to roam the streets, tail between their legs – and all because of the size of the waste they create.
“You have to ask are we going to solve a problem or are we going to start a discrimination campaign against St Bernard’s?
“And when it comes to the enforcement – who is going to stand at the gate measuring each dog like a Ryanair check-in agent. Is there going to be a chart telling you that if your dog is taller than this sign please exit immediately and take your monstrous dog with you?”
Size restrictions have also been put in place at the entrance to places like Templemore Town Park, Nenagh Castle and Mulcahy Park in Clonmel.
Well know dog lover Micheál Lowry is one of many up in arms over the move.
“The real victims here are going to be the medium size dogs – the ones who might be just on the edge of the limit. Imagine the heartbreak of a Labrador who fits through the barrier one day. After being a good boy goes home and gets a nice big meal – comes back the next day and finds themselves disqualified from entering. It’s going to be emotional devastation.
“Instead of banning the dogs why don’t Tipperary County Council invest in more signage to remind owners to pick up after their pets? Or maybe even train a team of squirrels and provide them with tiny shovels to go around and clean up after them.”
