WATCH: Brandywell Greyhound Supporters Group champions Council’s 'Green Dog Walker' initiative

The Brandywell Greyhound Supporters Group extended a warm invitation to the Dog Wardens from Derry & Strabane District Council to attend an event at the Brandywell Greyhound Stadium aimed at supporting and promoting the Council’s Green Dog Walker initiative.

The event, held last weekend, aimed to foster collaboration in advancing the Green Dog Walker initiative, a program dedicated to encouraging dog walkers to act responsibly by cleaning up after their pets in public places.

Nigel Lafferty, Dog Warden, brought along information leaflets about the Green Dog Walker Scheme that could be distributed by the Brandywell Greyhound Supporters Group amongst their members. Additionally, details about the initiative were posted on their social media platform which has a following of 5,000 members, to extend awareness amongst the broader dog walking community in the region.

A particular highlight of the day was the opportunity for the Dog Warden to meet and interact with some of the dedicated dog owners and their dogs who either exercise or race at the venue regularly.

Nigel explained; “To register for the Green Dog Walker Scheme, dogs must firstly be licensed with the Council and then you’ll receive a green lead for your dog. We’d ask that when you’re out and about that you talk to your friends about the scheme. We very much want community engagement and we are delighted to have this opportunity to have that with the greyhound owners”

Nigel Lafferty with Beautiful Peggy wearing the three jacket. Peggy retired two years ago.

The collaboration between the Supporters Group and the Council sets a precedent for future endeavors, signaling a constructive unified approach to community and environmental responsibility.

"The Brandywell Greyhound Stadium is not just a venue for canine activities, but also hub for community activity and an ideal avenue for being proactive in raising awareness of initiatives like the Green Dog Walker,” remarked Lynda Bonner, Chair of the Supporters Group.

The event concluded by thanking Nigel for his visit. There was an air of positivity that this collaboration will have a constructive impact on raising awareness and participation with the Green Dog Walker Scheme and of the benefits it could deliver in terms of environmental stewardship.