Riding my motorcycle to work this morning I was infuriated to see a woman with two dogs allowing one of them to defacate on an attractive little grass area in front of some small family houses near Addington Village, Croydon. Without thinking I sounded the vehicle's horn - which is quite loud for a motorcycle - startling the offending animal which then attempted to move off, the job half done. My resultant amusement and satisfaction put me in a good mood which lasted most of the morning.
Although not a dog owner myself, I do like them and feel they have a place in our society. Dogs can be extremely worthy companions for the elderly and the work of guide and hearing dogs I find astonishing, and quite touching. It is therefore deeply unfortunate that, increasingly it seems, so many dog owners refuse to dispose of dog waste in a socially responsible manner. So often I see dogs being allowed to foul our parks, walkways and nature reserves. Children in our neighbourhood cannot safely play in our local national trust reserve without stepping or sitting in excrement. It is just unacceptable and I am perplexed at the complete failure of local authorities to take any action. Dog mess is packed full of bacteria and smells horrible. Allowing a dog to foul a public place should be treated as a serious offence. Dog owners should regard it as completely normal to have to scoop-up and remove any accidental poos, whilst the animals should be encouraged to go in the owners own garden before being allowed out for its daily walks. It infuriates me to think that owners leave us (society) to cope with their animal's output, whilst keeping their own gardens nice and clean and poo-free.
