Dog fouling an ‘escalating problem’ in Laois as fines set to increase

Fines will increase to €250 from September

Published 5th Aug 2026, 17:30 BST Michael Rainey, Chief Executive of Laois County Council, with Wesley the dog, Tristan Blundell, Dog Warden, Cllr Catherine Fitzgerald, Cathaoirleach of Laois County Council, Serena Flanagan, Dog Warden, Penny the dog, and Evelyn Brownrigg from the Environment Section of Laois County Council at the launch of the Anti Dog Fouling Campaign. Photo: Alf Harvey. Fines will increase to €250 from September Sign up to our Laois Live newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know you can manage your profile, and explore all of the available newsletters from Laois Live within your account.

Laois County Council said that dog fouling is an “ongoing and escalating problem” on footpaths and in parks and open spaces across Laois.

The comments come as the Council launched their county-wide Anti Dog Fouling Campaign on Wednesday, August 5.

The campaign, which was launched in Pairc an Phobail in Portlaoise , aims to promote responsible dog ownership, including dog owners cleaning up after their dogs.

“The issue of dog fouling is an ongoing and escalating problem on footpaths, parks and open spaces in Portlaoise and around the county, as people are out walking more in the summer evenings,” Laois County Council said.

The Council urged dog owners to always pick up after their dog using their own scooping device or bag, or one of the free dog poo bags provided around the county, before disposing of it in the nearest litter bin or taking it home and placing it in their own general household bin.

Laois Garda Inspector appeals to e-scooter riders and motorists Dog owners were reminded that they are legally obliged to clean up after their pets if they go to the toilet in public places such as on the street, in an open green space in a housing estate or in a park.

If people fail to clean up after their dogs then they could be issued with an on-the-spot fine of €150 or on summary conviction to a fine of up to €3,000, under the Litter Pollution Act 1997.

From September 1, the cost of a litter fine will increase to €250.

Laois County Council said: “If you see someone allowing their dog to foul in a public place without cleaning up after them, you can call the Laois Litter Hotline, in confidence, on 1800 323230.”

Dog owners were also reminded that valid dog licences are a legal requirement, as well as dogs being microchipped and wearing an ID tag with the owner’s details on it.