Just six fines issued for dog fouling across Mid and East Antrim in 2025 despite ongoing complaints

Only six fixed penalty notices for dog fouling were issued across Mid and East Antrim during 2025, new figures have revealed, despite continued concerns from councillors and residents about the scale of the problem.

The figures, released by Mid and East Antrim Borough Council in response to a Freedom of Information request under the Environmental Information Regulations 2004, show that five fines were issued in Ballymena and one in Carrickfergus over the 12-month period. No penalties were issued in Larne.

The low number of fines has emerged against a backdrop of growing frustration over dog fouling in public spaces across the borough.

At a council meeting last month, Braid Ulster Unionist Councillor Alan Barr called for further engagement on the issue, requesting a meeting with the council’s head of waste to examine problem areas.

Cllr Barr has also challenged the council to clarify its position on the “provision and deployment” of enforcement officers, amid ongoing complaints from the public.

Interim Chief Executive Valerie Watts confirmed that a meeting would be arranged.

The latest figures mark a sharp contrast with previous enforcement activity. In 2023/24, the council issued 48 fixed penalty notices for dog fouling and littering.

Ballymena Ulster Unionist Councillor Brian Thompson said recently on social media that he is “campaigning strongly” on the issue and urged residents to report irresponsible dog owners to council enforcement officers.

Carrickfergus Castle DUP Alderman Billy Ashe MBE said:

“I have spoken on this subject numerous times and have received full support from the chamber to take a much more proactive role in the prevention and prosecution of irresponsible pet owners.

“We have recently appointed three new directors, one of whom will have responsibility for this issue, and I will be pushing him to build a team to address this issue across the 400 square miles of Mid and East Antrim in a much more proactive manner.

“We have to address this most difficult issue in a proactive manner and provide the resources to our already stretched workforce.”

Concerns have also been raised locally in Larne.

Norman Gray, chair of the Larne branch of the Regimental Association of the Ulster Defence Regiment CGC, highlighted what he described as an increase in dog fouling at Larne Memorial Gardens.

In a letter to the council’s interim chief executive, Mr Gray said:

“Both locations are places of reflection and remembrance, and such behaviour is deeply disrespectful to the families who visit, as well as to the memories of those commemorated there.

“Additionally, the presence of dog fouling creates health and safety concerns for visitors, including veterans, serving personnel, families, and members of the public.”

Following complaints, the council said on social media that patrols and monitoring have been increased at Larne Memorial Gardens and Greenland Cemetery in Craigyhill.

Dog fouling in Mid and East Antrim can result in a £200 fixed penalty notice.

Mid and East Antrim Borough Council has been asked to comment.

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At a glance

• Six fines issued for dog fouling across Mid and East Antrim in 2025

• Five in Ballymena, one in Carrickfergus, none in Larne

• Figures released via Freedom of Information request

• 48 penalties issued in 2023/24 for dog fouling and littering

• Councillors raising concerns over enforcement levels

• Complaints reported at Larne Memorial Gardens and Greenland Cemetery

• Council has increased patrols in affected areas

• Dog fouling can result in a £200 fine