Sir, – The recent poster campaign by Cork Co Council encouraging dog owners to clean up after their pets may raise awareness but is unlikely to significantly change behaviour.
It follows many years of similar initiatives by public bodies relying on warnings and penalties. However, due to limited enforcement, progress has been slow.
A more effective approach might be to focus on positive incentives rather than punitive measures. A useful model can be found in the recent plastic bottle return scheme, which has had the unintended but welcome effect of encouraging “micro entrepreneurs” to collect discarded bottles and redeem them for a small financial return.
While not without minor issues, the overall outcome has been largely beneficial.
RM Block
Why not apply a similar concept to the persistent problem of dog fouling in public spaces?
A modest levy on dog and cat food could fund a nationwide collection initiative. Compostable dog waste bags, each with a scannable barcode, could be made available at a low cost.
Once used, these bags could be returned to designated collection points, where they would be scanned and credited- mirroring the bottle return system.
Such a scheme would create a practical financial incentive for responsible disposal, while also encouraging others to participate in keeping public spaces clean. By turning a long-standing nuisance into an opportunity, we may finally see meaningful behavioural change.
Perhaps Cork Co Council could consider piloting such an initiative at the local level, with a view to a national roll-out if successful. – Yours, etc,
BRENDAN McGRATH,
Director,
CuPooch,
Sutton,
Dublin.
