Fouled footpaths put schoolchildren at risk

MY three boys walk from home to St Anthony’s boys’ national school in Ballinlough, Cork. Some days I accompany them if the weather is inclement. Unfortunately we spend a lot of time stepping off the pavement onto a busy road to avoid soiling our shoes with dog excrement.

Given the recent icy roads, coupled with the volume of cars delivering schoolchildren, this can be a highly dangerous activity. Boys who walk to school in an eco-friendly manner should not have to endure this adventure. Dog-fouling is disgusting, unhygienic and against the law. On my way back home I saw one sign ‘Dog fouling — penalty €150’ — but this does not seem to be working or else it is not being enforced by city council officials.

To date, no fines have been issued. I believe it is time for the council to review their enforcement procedures to identify the dogs-owners and impose fines. Priority should be given to busy pedestrian areas like schools and community centres.