to think that all dogs should be fitted with colostomy bags?

[rolandweary]

that way nobody would have an excuse to leave piles of toxic, disgusting dog filth on public streets, beaches and parks

I also like the "dog DNA database" idea

"I think it there should be a massive tax of all dog owners which would fund the daily cleaning of the streets of those dog owners who won't pick up after their dogs."

Erm, but then everyone would just think 'well, I'm paying for this to be picked up, why should I bother doing it myself?'

Can we have the DNA database for cats too, or at least recriminations for cat owners if they can't train them to use a litter tray/their own garden?

Those are what, BeerTricks, maybe 20% of all dogs, those and police/drug/bomb dogs.

The rest of pretty much useless.

Their shite is awful.

For that reason alone unless they're working dogs no one else should keep them that way no one would have to worry about their awful shite and stepping in it.

Very sensible, Longstocking!

'general ownership has proved too destructive of our society and many lives (toddler maulings etc' and the basis of this statement is?

Considering there are over 7.3 million dogs owned in the uk vs a handful of attacks (or less) each year.

Cars kill and main more children than dogs do. They also cause more pollution and car owners cannot get of their car and bag up all their C02 emmissions. I do not drive. I don't see the point. I object to my street being polluted and my childrens safety being put at risk by all these metal pollution machines. I think all car owners should have to pay £5k tax per year to enivormental research and bereaved parents. That'll teach the majority of safe drivers for driving mobile weapons.

God yes Mackerel. I dislike other people's dogshit on my shoes as much as anyone, but its not half as bad as getting catshit on my hands when tending my own garden.

And the cat DNA database could be used to track down the bird-murderers....

BeerTricks, we seem to agree that there is an intractable shit problem, due to a minority (although I do not believe it is a small minority) of lazy selfish owners

however we disagree in that you think it is worth it, whereas I think it most emphatically is not.

If it were up to me I WOULD remove the universal right to own a dog and issue licences to those who need a dog, with strict regulations on how it is trained, and ongoing monitoring.

The shit isn't just disgusting and antisocial, it's hazardous as well. Especially to children. Not worth it IMO.

So true.

I think all cats should be indoors-only, too.

I agree, roland.

Oh Mackeral i would ban all dog and cat owning COMPLETELY tomorrow if it would stop my garden and pavements being covered in the excrement of the former and the latter.

The majority pays a disproportionate price for the self indulgence of pet owners. It's not acceptable imo.

If they had prison sentences for people whose dogs fouled the pavements I would vote for it. If they had mobile units which used cctv to enforce it, I would support it.

I can't believe I'm saying that but I hate it so much it makes me literally feel sick to think of how much there is all over this area, it's revolting.

You are not alone in your sentiments, Longstocking.

Erm don't car owners pay car tax each year anyway ???
Does the dog licence still exist ?
I am all for local councils giving the neighbourhood watch leaders the power to impose on the spot fines to those who don't clean up ..

dooin I agree, I think speed restrictions and enforcement should be much stricter.

But car owners pay huMUNGous taxes to be fair. Unlike dog owners who pay nada.

If it were up to me I WOULD remove the universal right to own a dog and issue licences to those who need a dog, with strict regulations on how it is trained, and ongoing monitoring.

Change 'need' to 'want' then - having read Valhalla's thread today - a lot of responsible dog owners wouldn't disagree. Its far too easy to buy - and dispose of - a dog.

nonetheless, domestic dog ownership DOES impinge on people's lives, because we are all sick of seeing shit everywhere. So if we are going to rid public areas of disgusting toxic filth, SOMETHING has to be done. Current measures aren't working. The only way really to do it is either to get rid of dogs who don't have a necessary function, or somehow stop dogs from shitting everywhere.

I don't adore your dog. And I don't want to spend every morning steering my children through a slalom of turds.

You can clean up a runny poo - my old dog was a bit prone to this and I had to carry wet wipes and lots of bags and half a toilet roll to ensure the pavement was left pristine

It's the same people that don't pick up after their dogs that drop litter, spit, drop cigarette butts, piss in driveways and doorways - it is just one symptom of a bigger problem. These are the same people responsible for most of the mauling stories as well. Selfish, irresponsible, antisocial - but a minority nonetheless.

I think there is a tipping point where it is more likely to be picked up, I live in an almost dog poo free area and the dog owners kind of self-police (have a bag, if I have to pick up so do you). Others areas it is more like "what's one more poop, to add to the pile." Same as litter really.

No point trying to find common ground with me Grimma. I would dispose of the bloody lot of them, and their slovenly owners.

Perhaps it should be the law for dog owners to have to carry a poo clearing kit with them. It would have to contain something for getting those disgusting sloppy shits off pavements, the ones that dog owners seem to ignore the most.

Or dogs could be fitted with a bag, like you see on horses, for collecting the poo to be disposed off at the end of the walk.

Or better still, doggy nappies, so you don't have to leap over little streams of dog wee every few yards.

As a dog owner I hate to go on walks where people don't pick up the poos, my dogs inadvertantly stand in it and bring it home, makes me grrrr! Also people who don't pick up their dog poo seem to feed the very worst foods, I don't care what size the dog is it should not be producing dinner plate sized piles of pinky/orangey soft poo (I suspect Bakers). A dog fed a good diet produces firm, small poos with very little odor, which should still be picked up obviously.

There are LOADS of dogs that get walked in our local park. In 5 years of using the park I (or my children) have stepped in one piece of dog poo. I've had to call the council to remove needles and had to avoid area because of broken glass bottles though.

I have cat - he's currently in indoors cat (as I've only just got him - a rescue cat) - however I will be letting him outside. I wish I'd got him sooner tbh

Agree with the poster above about human vomit and piss - ewww - that's bloody everywhere. Oh and the bloody fox and bird shit - and the human litter.....

5K though? Which is what is being suggested. Car tax is not unaffordable to the majority of car owners.

I would happily pay an annual fee for my dogs if that fee was going to be used to keep the streets and parks cleaner and improve the situation in pounds accross the country.

But 5k is excessive. It is a figure that has been plucked out of the air as one that would stop most people from being to afford their dog.

And when this is introduced is the tax payer who is going to fund the mass destruction of several million dogs?

'Perhaps it should be the law for dog owners to have to carry a poo clearing kit with them.' it is law. Most councils have passed by laws to state all dog walkers must carry appropriate toold for cleaning up after their dogs.