For health’s sake, clean up after dogs

Wednesday, May 31, 2006

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Santiago Sandoval, Germantown

On several occasions we have witnessed people’s pets — dogs — relieving themselves outside on public areas and their owners not cleaning up after them. Those of us who own dogs and pick up them get blamed for the acts of those who don’t.

Dog owners who exhibit a lack of consideration for the rest of the people around them also seem to ignore that dogs’ excrement seriously contaminates our environment. Leaving dogs’ waste on the ground is a health concern even to other dogs, and during warmer weather feces are fetid and become a more conducive breeding ground for fleas and flies, both of which carry diseases.

When the owners are confronted about the issue of cleaning up after their animals they answer as if there is no problem at all. Who is there to help correct their behavior and continued disrespect to our neighbors, community, and other dog owners?

When contacted about this issue, Montgomery County’s ‘‘Keep Montgomery County Beautiful” program staff suggested that we follow the culprit(s), take note where they live and file a police report. Is that the answer?

We need to find a realistic solution to avert a confrontation that may end in more than a temporary annoyance, raised voices and upset stomachs.