Wednesday, April 20, 2016

A shitty problem

It seems that Spain has both a huge problem and an obsession with dog poo.

In Madrid, the mayor has now warned dog owners to either start picking up their dog's mess or face cleaning the streets.

The capital already has a strict set of fines ranging from 750 to 1,500 euros for irresponsible owners. Now, it is set to target certain areas and apply a sanction where the offenders will have to spend Saturdays and Sundays cleaning streets from 8am to 2pm if need be.

In Catalonia they have taken a scientific approach to the problem by  using DNA identification technology to identify the dogs from the poo they leave behind. The method seems to be working in towns where it has been applied.

It really should not be necessary for towns and cities to have to impose such drastic and potentially costly measures to solve the problem. In my opinion, dog owners should show responsibility without the rule of law being applied. As unsavoury as it might be to pick up and dispose of your pet's waste, that is what you have to be prepared for if you want to own a dog.

Of course, the situation is impossible for those owners who allow their dogs to roam freely and the same issues also apply to cats who habitually go out at night.

PS I have the same view about litter.You either put it in your pocket to dispose of when you can or you seek out a bin to put it in. I believe that it is not acceptable to simply drop it on the pavement and expect someone else to sweep up.

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