Dog fouling is more than a nuisance—it’s a health hazard. It can spread harmful bacteria and parasites, especially dangerous to children and vulnerable individuals. Under the Litter Pollution Act, dog owners who fail to clean up after their pets may face a fine of €150.

What is the Green Dog Walkers (GDW) initiative?

Roscommon County Council is proud to support the GDW Initiative—a friendly, non-confrontational campaign designed to promote responsible dog ownership and reduce dog fouling in our towns, villages, parks, and public spaces. This initiative is a way for dog owners to show they care about their community and the environment.

The GDW Initiative encourages dog owners to take a public pledge to:

• Always clean up after their dog.
• Carry extra dog waste bags.
• Offer bags to other dog walkers if needed.
• Wear a Green Dog Walkers hi-vis vest.
• Be a friendly reminder to others to clean up after their dogs.

The GDW Pledge Kit

Once you take the pledge, you’ll receive a GDW kit (dependent on availability), which includes:

• A hi-vis vest.
• A bone-shaped dog waste bag dispenser.
• A roll of biodegradable dog waste bags.

These items help identify you as a responsible dog owner and ambassador of the initiative.

How to get involved?

We are particularly interested in working with community groups, Tidy Towns committees and volunteers.

To sign up complete the GDW Pledge form and return it by email to envawareness@roscommoncoco.ie or post to the Green Dog Walkers, Environment Department, Roscommon County Council, Áras an Chontae, Roscommon, County Roscommon. F42 VR98