SINN Féin Councillor Kevin Campbell has said that pet owners using the urban park at Ballymagowan need to realise that it is not an open toilet for their dogs. Councillor Campbell said: “This park was designed and built for the use of everyone in the community.
“Since it was officially opened the Triax Neighbourhood Management Team have held a number of very successful family fun days with bouncy castles, bicycle rides all to bring the local community together.
“And they also held a major Halloween event (The Haunted Ghost Lands) which was a great success.
“Now we have a small number of dog owners who have no regard for the community or the children who use the park .
“They are letting their dogs foul and don’t bother to clean up after them even though there are five newly installed dog litter bins in the park.
“I have been in contact with Derry City and Strabane District Council’s Environmental department who have assured me that they area taking the matter seriously .
“There will be a fixed penalty of £80 for dog owners who do not clean up after their dogs and if it is forced to court the penalty will be £1,000.
“So I am appealing to dog owners to act responsibility and have respect for the community and clean up after your dog,” added Cllr Campbell.