PooJay Gallagher Launches "The Big Scoop"

Dogs Trust has launched it ‘The Big Scoop’ dog fouling awareness campaign with help from PJ Gallagher.

The launch follows a survey that shows 9 in 10 people claim dog fouling is an issue in their area with 87% saying it has become worse over the past year.

68% of people also stated they often witness dog walkers leaving their dogs’ poo behind while 85% reported seeing discarded full poo bags.

Dogs Trust has launched ‘The Big Scoop’, their annual dog fouling awareness campaign, to encourage more people to pick up after their dog. The charity is eager to highlight that dog fouling is a human problem and wants to see dog owners take responsibility by picking up after their dogs and reducing the amount of dog mess being left in public spaces.

Photograph: ©Fran Veale

“As a huge dog lover, it really upsets me to see people not cleaning up after their dogs. Let’s be honest, it’s not the most glamourous part of owning a dog but it takes seconds and real dog lovers understand how important it is. It’s simple really! If you love your dog, you will bag and bin their poo.” Comedian and Radio  Nova Morning Glory Presenter PJ Gallagher said.

Although public spaces across the country have designated dog poo bins, the charity wants to stress that any litter bin will do. There’s no need to worry if you can’t see a designated dog poo bin in sight, you can put your bag in the nearest litter bin you see.

As part of this year’s campaign, the charity’s Education and Community team have created online toolkits so every school and community group can take part. Dogs Trust hopes by teaching children about responsible dog ownership that it will encourage them to remind the adults they are walking with to pick up after their dog.

The charity has also created a short video of quotes from the survey respondents about inopportune times they encountered dog fouling.

Dogs Trust surveyed 3,859 people via Survey Hero in April 2021 about their experiences of encountering dog fouling.

• 76% of respondents were dog owners and 24% were not.
• 94% said there is a problem with dog fouling in their area
• 87% said it’s gotten worse over the past year
• 68% often witness dog walkers not cleaning up after their dogs
• 85% often see discarded poo bags, 73% think this is due to reluctance for people to carry it (if there are no bins)
• 98% of those who own a dog say they pick up after their dog, 1% said only if somebody is watching and 1% said they do not
• 89% said they are aware of the health implications associated with dog poo not being picked up and disposed of correctly
• 87% said they are aware of the laws relating to dog fouling
• 89% have walked in dog poo in the last year, 17% have rolled a buggy through it, 26% have rolled a bike through it, 3% have rolled a wheelchair in it and 69% have come across dog poo in a children’s park

Photograph: ©Fran Veale

Dogs Trust has been working in Ireland since 2005 and its mission is to bring an end to the destruction of stray and abandoned dogs through a national responsible dog ownership campaign, including a nationwide education programme. Dogs Trust is working towards the day when all dogs can enjoy a happy life, free from the threat of unnecessary destruction. Dogs Trust has a non-destruction policy; and never destroy a healthy dog.