If you walk your dog regularly, you’ll know.

Not everybody is as fastidious about cleaning up dog poop as we’d like.

Now Cork City Council has come up with an idea to help offer a gentle reminder to dog walkers about their responsibilities (and a handy dog poop bag in those moments where you might have just forgotten to bring one).

The Green Dog Walker initiative is a community-led project designed to promote responsible dog ownership and foster a cleaner, healthier city.

“This campaign encourages dog walkers to not only clean up after their pets but also to carry extra bags to share with others, helping to address the persistent issue of dog fouling in public spaces.” said a Council spokesperson.

“Dog waste contains bacteria like E. coli and Salmonella and parasites like roundworm that can cause disease in the lungs, eyes, and skin, and symptoms like cramps, diarrhoea, dehydration, and kidney issues. The programme seeks to create greener, cleaner, and more pleasant communities for all and underscores the importance of shared responsibility in maintaining public space.”

So how does it work?

Dog owners across Cork City are encouraged to become Green Dog Walkers, serving as role models for responsible dog ownership.

Volunteers will receive a pack containing a hi-viz Vest, poop bags and holder, and a harness and lead for their dog. Selected volunteers will be invited to City Hall to launch their role as ambassador and sign a Green Dog Walk pledge and receive their packs.

Extra dog waste bags will be provided to participants to distribute to other dog walkers too.

“From a public health perspective, dog fouling is a cause for concern. We are hoping that some of our residents, who are as passionate about their dogs as they are about Cork will come on board.” said Tanya O’Sullivan, Local Development Officer, Slaintecare Healthy Communities Programme.

“From a practical side, everyone knows the hassle of trying to clean dog waste off their shoe or the wheel on a wheelchair or pram so we want to reduce that risk and have a healthier city.”

Cork City Council invites any interested dog owners to join the Green Dog Walker initiative by emailing community@corkcity.ie