Dog fouling fines are unfair

It is a way of obtaining money from a powerless minority. The best way to get people to do as wished might be by reward, not punishment, and imaginative thought could have provided a fairer way.

A comparable fine might be introduced for every plastic bag or metal can that is dropped. These do far more harm to the environment than any dog dirt. Dog dirt breaks down naturally in a short time. Shall we think what happens to our own "filth" when we flush it cleanly (seemingly) away? Could it be that it might be doing more harm than the dog dirt we are so desirous to be rid of, just because it's too much trouble for us to avoid.

Also, just what happens to all those tied-up plastic bags of doggie dirt? .

If I choose to walk in the countryside, having to avoid dog (or other animal) excrement will not deter me.

When I do, I avoid it if I can, and wear suitable footwear, which can be cleaned on return if necessary.

I visited our coast twice this year on holiday, and noticed that the most upset was not caused by dogs or their owners, but by the owners of children who would not keep them under control. When walking in the street, I find that dog owners will move to avoid you. Not so the owners of children who seem to expect right of way, together with their prams or pushchairs. The population of this planet will not suffer if no more babies are born for some time, more probably may benefit. Therefore, the majority of those who have children today must do so for selfish reasons only.

As an employed person, I may not wish to contribute to the costs of other people's desires to have unnecessary offspring, but don't have any choice. In fairness then it would seem that the least that can be done is to provide ample appropriate conveniences for dogs and their owners as necessary. A dog is our favourite pet.

I have one son and do not own a dog.

Live and Let Live

Westhoughton

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.