Vol. 543 No. 2
526 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government when a comprehensive public education programme will be initiated on the importance of worming dogs to prevent spread of toxocara, and the need for dog owners to clean up after their pets. [26736/01]
The controls on dogs operating under legislation for which my Department is responsible relate primarily to the prevention of nuisance and menace to the public as well as litter pollution. Under section 23 of the Litter Pollution Act, 1997, a person in charge of a dog is required to remove and dispose of any faeces deposited by the dog. Section 8 of the Act requires local authorities to take all practicable measures for the prevention and control of litter, including measures to promote public awareness of the polluting effects of litter.
Primary responsibility for the development of management and enforcement responses to litter pollution rests with local authorities. It is a matter for local authorities to develop and implement education and awareness campaigns suitable to the circumstances of their individual areas. Each year, my Department allocates grants, amounting to £500,000 in 2001, to local authorities to co-fund public education and awareness initiatives on
litter, including initiatives in relation to the responsibilities of dog owners under the legislation.
