Chris Cooney, Mullumbimby
I don’t own a dog but almost everybody I know does and most of them are responsible dog owners. But honestly there are a few who trot out the same old excuses when their dogs are a nuisance, such as my dog won’t bite/jump up/growl angrily/defecate on the footpath/slobber over the cafe tables and chase wildlife. Some even proffer that their dogs gambol responsibly.
For those of us lesser beings who like to walk about the town enjoying the ambience of the river and riparian zones we’re often confronted by people with their dogs off leash in areas including the small forested area in Heritage Park. There are two signs indicating that no dogs are allowed in this area.
The entitled attitude of these people when asked to leave the park or, at the very least, put the dog on a leash is worrying. There are people who could be seriously injured by a large uncontrolled animal because of such conditions as osteoporosis or general frailty.
Please keep your dogs under control and let them romp in the leash-free area.
The entitled attitude of these people says it exactly!
Present …….. aaaaaand …… Aware ?????
I’ve also encountered dog owners who for the most part are responsible but then there’s the “present & aware” types who feel they’re “so entitled” the rules simply don’t apply to them.
One couple pouted when approached then claimed their dogs were likewise aware and therefore somehow managed to get around off leash in public spaces with their bowels clamped shut so as not to mistakenly drop a crap in some other residents (that means people btw) yards / public parks / beach / footpath etc… Whatthe?