A ‘filthy’ minority

I would, however, ask that not all dog owners be tarred with the same brush. I am one of them, and regularly walk my dog in and around Littlehampton and Rustington. Those who do not pick up after their dogs are the dross of society, quite obviously of low intelligence, with zero regard for the environment and no respect for others or themselves.

In common with the majority, I take full responsibility for my canine companion, leaving home with her at least twice a day with my pockets stuffed with poo bags. These are not only for picking up after my dog, but on many occasions for clearing up someone else’s mess where it has been left on public highways or areas frequented by children. I also have to remove similar deposits from my garden on a regular basis.

I have to say that the answer is not to ban dogs from public areas, as the low-life owners would ignore such a ruling, just as they ignore dog waste bins and notices directing attention to them, fully aware they will not face the consequences.

I was informed some months ago, when making a similar complaint to Arun District Council’s environmental health department, that we now have only one dog warden covering the whole of the Arun district, and his time is taken with collection strays.

I am well aware of the financial restraints involved, and do not have an answer to the problem, except to say that the only way to get through to these miscreants is to hurt their pockets and their pride, i.e., name, shame and convict. I have confronted such people at the “scene of crime”, only to be met with a torrent of abuse.

Most of us are clean-living people who behave in a responsible, hygienic manner, but unfortunately find ourselves linked to the minority element who choose to advertise their filthy lifestyle to the world.

B. Harding

Capstan Drive

Littlehampton