Kildare County Council’s Refusal to Provide Free Dog Waste Bags: A Tail of Woe for Local Dog Owners
Ah, Kildare! A land where the grass is as green as the pint of Guinness enjoyed at the local pub, and where the only thing that should be “fouling” in our lovely fields is the sound of the local football team losing yet another match. But, as luck would have it, our four-legged friends seem to have taken a different approach — leaving their rather unattractive deposits behind as they prance through parks, lakes, and playgrounds. Now, I know what you’re thinking: “Just provide us with some dog waste bags, and we’ll call it a day!” But the Kildare County Council has decided to stir the pot (without any lovely stew ingredients, mind you) and say “No bags for you!”
Yes, you read that right. Despite reports claiming that dog fouling is on the rise, the council has chosen to leave dog owners in a bit of a lurch, up the creek without a paddle, or rather, up the park without a poop bag. Independent Councillor Bill Clear, who’s seen many moonlit strolls turn into a Shakespearean tragedy with dog mess lurking at every corner, demanded that council provide dog waste bags in areas like the lakes and Monread Park. Alas, his plea fell on deaf ears.
For those who might be saying, "What’s the fuss? A dog will be a dog. And what’s a bit of refuse anyway?” Let me clarify that it’s more than just an issue of cleanliness. Dog fouling can have serious implications for public health, not to forget that it’s about as pleasant as finding a fly in your pint — absolutely no one likes to step in it, and certainly no one wants dogs’ doings to be the talk of the town.
So, what exactly gives our esteemed council the gumption to refuse free bags, you might ask? According to them, it boils down to resources and financial constraints — a classic tale as old as time! But here we are, standing amongst some of the most stunning parks in Ireland, and we can’t seem to spare a few bags for our furry pals! One might be tempted to suggest that perhaps these savings could be made elsewhere — like cutting back on those extravagant council meetings where the tea is as weak as the arguments being presented! Ah, but who am I to say?
Now, before we throw in the towel, let’s think about some alternatives to being caught in this very smelly dilemma. While the council may not be providing bags, local dog owners can band together like a pack of enthusiastic spaniels and look at other eco-friendly options. Perhaps we could set up a community fund or even try our hands at creating a few bags out of raincoats, which, let’s face it, are only practical about six days a year in Ireland anyway.
But on a serious note, prevention is key, and if we want our parks to remain an enjoyable experience for all — dogs and humans alike — it’s essential to keep good hygiene habits. Local dog owners could consider establishing a volunteer brigade, armed with their own bags, to ensure that our lovely parks remain pristine for future generations. That’s right! Let’s put the fun back in ‘fundamental responsibilities’— and who knows, we might even stumble upon some other keen dog enthusiasts along the way, forging friendships over an activity we all dread.
In the end, whether you’re measuring your dog’s little masterpieces against a rule of thumb or using your coat pocket for what appears to be dubious dog laundry, there’s no denying that the absence of free waste bags has parents of pooches pondering what to do next. Yes, it may seem a paltry point for the council; however small, these matters resonate deeply within the community.
So, Kildare County Council, here’s a suggestion: Next time you convene under that well-lit banner of “improving community spaces,” perhaps earmark a wee bit of funding for those precious dog waste bags. It might just earn you a couple of gold stars and the gratitude of a dozen dog owners — a small price to pay to keep the town smell-free and enable us to continue enjoying all the beauty Kildare has to offer without wrinkling our noses along the way!
Until then, my fellow dog owners, keep an eye out for patches of grass, and remember: the grass isn’t always greener on the other side, especially when it’s covered in unwanted ‘presents’ from your neighborhood pooch!
