By Rebecca Crockett
DONEGAL Town Rugby Club have asked dog owners to pick up after their pets as an increase in dog fouling impacts the club.
Dog owners are encouraged not to walk their pets on the club’s grounds, and to ensure all waste is picked up and disposed of suitably.
The appeal comes after youth matches were cancelled due to the presence of dog waste.
The club took to their social media with the plea saying: “Just yesterday our youth matches against Finn Valley were delayed due to the issue. These pitches are used by all of our age groups!
They also said their underage game couldn’t take place at the weekend until a full sweep of the pitch was carried out to remove the waste.
“Dog waste on rugby pitches poses serious risks to players’ health and safety. The waste can carry harmful bacteria and parasites, such as Toxocara, which can cause infections and, in severe cases, lead to vision loss or other long-term health problems.
“Additionally, the waste creates an unpleasant and unsanitary environment for both players and spectators.” The club wrote.
In the past Donegal has had the lowest rates of dog fouling in the country, with no dog fouling fines issued by the local authority last year.
Let’s hope Donegal Town Rugby Club’s experience isn’t the first sign of a worrying trend for next year.
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