*It's not MN, it's real life. Everywhere you go there are dogs. They used to be walked early morning and late evening.
Now they're "part of the family" and have to go everywhere including shops and restaurants.
And if they inconvenience other people, well it's tough.
I don't think it's hysteria, it's a well-founded wish to be able to go about one's business without being hassled by dogs, tripping over leads or slipping over on dog poo*
Interestingly, i think it’s the opposite :).
When i was a small child dog poo lying around was common - white dog poo anyone? There were stray dogs and dogs were allowed to roam, so it wasn’t unusual to find a dog pottering round by itself. Nobody picked up their dog poo, occasionally you would have a dog that was trained to crap in the gutter by the kerb, but that was rare.
Most people knew someone with a dog, or were used to coming across them in the street.
Nowadays we have all the hygeine paranoia so fewer people keep pets and dogs, or allow their kids to stroke dogs without washing hands. Dogs are mostly well controlled, have a human with them who picks up poo and takes responsibility.
I went to italy last year and the dog culture there is different. People hang out in cafe’s and bars with their dogs under the tables, and it was very common to see dogs in the town centre. I suppose though the weather makes it easier when you can sit outside til late.
However i don’t think the rise of “status” dogs like staffies has helped- people using a dog to project a scary image. I have a very small dog and usually face two different reactions- he is either grabbed and petted like a toy, or treated like a viscious monster. People have crossed the road or jumped out of his way when they see him!