ALERT: Major concern in Leitrim as skeletal remains are found dumped in bin

The animal welfare service has seen a large volume of general waste being thrown into the dog waste bins, causing health and safety concerns.

The service called out three areas in Leitrim in particular where major misuse of the bins were seen recently. 

Places are as follows: Dromod Harbour, Dromahair (main issues at the two bins beside Drumlease National School and River Valley Road) and Drumshanbo - Acres Lake.

One incident in Dromahair was used as an example where animal skeletal remains were placed in a bin, breaking the bin bags and resulting in injury to a staff member.

"This highlights how serious and unsafe this misuse has become," the animal welfare service said.

"22 dog waste bins every single week, a service we are proud to provide for responsible dog owners throughout the county.

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"However, we are seeing ongoing misuse in the following areas: Dromod Harbour, Dromahair (main issues at the two bins beside Drumlease National School and River Valley Road) and Drumshanbo - Acres Lake.

"These bins are specifically for dog waste only. They are a luxury service and not something every county provides, Leitrim is fortunate to have so many serviced by Leitrim Animal Welfare alongside additional bins maintained by local Tidy Towns groups."

Leitrim Animal Welfare said that when these bins are filled with general waste, dog owners are left with no space to dispose of waste properly.

"People are leaving dog waste bags beside or on top of the bins and this creates hygiene issues and impacts the beauty of our shared spaces.

"Our staff then have to clean this extra mess up manually every week, which is completely avoidable and unfair."

The animal welfare service said that with the better weather approaching, they expect this misuse to increase, which is not fair on their staff and the responsible dog owners who consistently clean up after their dogs.

"We all enjoy the incredible walks, lakes, and scenery that Leitrim has to offer. These bins exist to help responsible dog ownership and keep our county clean.

"If misuse continues, we may have to review the future of some bins in areas where they are not being used correctly. Please respect their purpose."