No dog fouling fines issued in Mayo last year, as owners go unpunished

National figures reveal just 44 dog fouling fines were issued nationwide in 2025.

By Jack Good Published 30th Sep 2026, 19:00 BST Updated 30th Sep 2026, 19:00 BST Rottweiler stock image | Mayo News National figures reveal just 44 dog fouling fines were issued nationwide in 2025. No fines were issued for dog fouling in Mayo last year, according to data gathered by Vision Ireland, which found that only 44 such fines were handed out by local authorities across the country in 2025.

The figures were released as part of Vision Ireland's Clear Our Paths campaign, running from September 28 to October 2, which aims to raise awareness of everyday obstacles on footpaths, including dog waste, and urges the public to take action.

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Dog fouling is a public safety issue and poses health concerns for both children and adults. People who are vision impaired and use mobility aids are particularly at risk.

In contrast to the zero dog fouling fines in Mayo by Mayo County Council, the county recorded 243 fines for parking on footpaths. Nationally, local authorities issued 21,232 fines to motorists for footpath parking in 2025. Dublin City accounted for 4,833 of those, while Leitrim and Roscommon recorded none.

The Mayo News understands that the reason the fine numbers for dog fouling are so low is because unless a litter warden or dog warden witnesses an offence, a fine cannot be issued.

Reports from the public are passed on to the litter warden, but members of the public may report dog fouling without being able to provide the dog owner's name and contact details, or without being willing to make a witness statement. Without these, a fine cannot be issued.

Kevin Kelly, Head of Policy & External Affairs at Vision Ireland, said: "People who are blind or vision impaired face constant obstacles when using footpaths in Ireland. The number of fines issued for illegally parked cars shows the scale of the problem.

We also know there are many dog owners who still do not pick up after their pets. These are serious health and safety issues for people who are blind or vision impaired.

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“All members of the public need to take responsibility and consider the needs of people who are blind or vision impaired."

As part of the campaign, Vision Ireland is also encouraging motorists to think twice before leaving their car on a footpath, and to consider the impact on people who are blind or vision impaired.