Doggy Bins are there to be used – McIlveen

David McIlveen said many residents from the Ahoghill and Cullybackey areas had contacted him, “fed up and concerned” that dog owners are not being responsible.

Mr. McIlveen said that in conjunction with local dog wardens he was working hard to assist residents in these areas and said he had obtained agreement to put a further dog foul bin on the Old Portglenone Road. However, the Assemblyman said this will only help if people pick up after their pooches.

He said: “The issue of dog litter is a huge irritant for people living in areas where dog owners simply do not pick up after their animals. Although it may seem like a trivial issue, it is a huge source of annoyance for people affected.

“I have discussed the problem with the local dog wardens, who have been exceptionally helpful and who have agreed to put another dog bin on the Old Portglenone Road in Ahoghill. I have contacted the dog warden about the current situation in Cullybackey, where it is thought there is a lack of dog bins and I am confident that we can also improve the situation there.

“However, we all know that this measure is only effective if people use them. One lady in the Ahoghill area told me that she has lifted 20-30 litter bags out of her hedge each week, as people simply throw them into her garden.

“I hope the new bin will help alleviate the problem, but I would call on all dog owners to please respect the area they live in, to clean up after their dog and to put the litter bags into the dog bin. It is a simple measure that really can make a difference to the area you live in,” Mr McIlveen said.