No messing about

Published on 30/10/2012 00:00

Regarding Murray Ferguson’s letter (6 October), and your recent article about a council paying £22,000 for a “Poover” to clear up dog mess that pet 
owners choose not to, I am with Murray – only don’t take a photo, challenge them!

When we lived in the centre of town, a young couple with a baby in a pushchair and a young dog stopped in the middle of the pavement while their dog “performed”.

They then proceeded on their way, with no intention of clearing up. My husband was walking along behind them and challenged them.

When it was suggested they should clear up after their dog, they said they didn’t have a bag. My husband kindly offered them one he happened to have and stood and watched them while they did it.

Years ago, my mother saw a dog owner leave their dog’s mess on a pavement – she cleared it up, followed the owner home and deposited it on their front doorstep.

Why do we tolerate such 
antisocial behaviour from dog owners – and why should those of us who don’t own a dog pay through our council tax for “Poovers”, just because certain dog owners are irresponsible?

Bring back dog licences and use the income to recover the cost of “Poovers”.

Kathryn Sharp

Blinkbonny Road

Edinburgh