Donegal Town Rugby Club has appealed to dog owners to clean up after a number of fouling incidents on their pitches.
The club is making the appeal as the problem has started to impact their games, with youth matches having to be cancelled due to the presence of dog waste.
Dog owners are being urged not to walk their dogs on the club’s pitches, and to clean up after their companions to avoid being put in the sin bin by the club.
“Over the past few weeks there has been a huge increase in incidents where dog waste has been found on our playing pitches,” the club said in their appeal.
“Just yesterday our youth matches against Finn Valley were delayed due to the issue.These pitches are used by all of our age groups!”
“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, it creates an unpleasant and unsanitary environment for both players and spectators. Please keep all dogs off the pitch.”
