AIBU to think I should be able to visit my local green without having to navigate my children around piles of dog crap

[Plentyofshit]

It’s everywhere, I don’t want to think that most dog owners are irresponsible, but from the amount I see - it’s not just the odd owner. Also - please don’t let your dog bound up to my child saying “don’t worry - she’s harmless”. How the f@@@ do I know that? And I don’t want to hear you then say “Christ - she’s never done that before” - after my child has been maimed...

Our village has a real problem with dog owners not clearing up after their animals.

We're in the middle of miles of empty bloody countryside with loads of footpaths leading out of the village and a small woods ... if they really cba to pick up after their dogs you'd think they'd slink off into the fields with them, but no. It's all on the narrow pavements and you'll see them looking all around to see who's watching while their dog craps. If they see you looking they make a big show of suddenly producing a bag ... if they don't see you they scuttle off and just leave it there. Old, young, male, female, posh houses, estate, they all do it.

Dirty fuckers.
We see you! And that's what we think of you.

It's the same in many places and it's vile. We have a massive village green. No one ever uses it with their families or children because of the dog poo. Most dog owners around here (inc myself as a dog owner) are great. It's the minority. The ones who's dogs poop when off lead and they pretend they don't see it!!

Most people would agree it's disgusting. The culprits have no shame.

Someone didn't pick up their dogs poo right by the school gates the other day. Why would you leave it there? But then again it's often when dogs are on leads!!

Aren't on leads *

Exactly. There’s a path leading from the path the the children play area. There’s a little black plastic bag, split open, full of squashed dog shit. Right in the middle of the path. The dog bin is about 10 metres away. It’s worse now then I’ve ever seen before.

Car park not path! I’m typing in anger...

I’ve decided to spend £100 on a National Trust type place subscription, purely so my one year old can run round without falling in streaming dog shit.

I have a dog, and am just as cross about irresponsible owners

How can it be dealt with tho? Is there actually a way that works?

I hate dog poo and I cannot stand dog owners letting their dogs off lead to annoy other people. Either train your dog so you have genuine control of it- and then exercise that bloody control, call the dog away from people you don't know because not everyone loves your dog, or keep it on the lead at all times. Be a good owner, not a selfish lazy dick!

I wondered if poo can be DNA analysed and traced back to the owner. Council charge a big fine, and make lots of money!

Could you start a campaign to ban dogs from the village green or to have CCTV cameras put up to catch the culprits? Do you think you'd get local support for such a campaign?

I'm a dog owner but can see a time when we will be banned all year round from the seafront because of lazy, irresponsible dog owners not clearing up after their dogs. It really pisses me off.

If you don't want to pick up dog poo then don't get a dog, your personal choice to own a dog should not negatively affect other people who also want to use public spaces.

I wondered if poo can be DNA analysed and traced back to the owner. Council charge a big fine, and make lots of money!

I understand this is possible but you would need a doggie DNA database to match samples with.

I like the idea of seeing if there is village-wide support for CCTV cameras. Name and shame the bastards. (And dump a lorryload of horse manure on their doorstep.... OK, maybe not....)

I have a dog that I walk off lead and these people annoy me too. They give all dog owners a bad name.

I totally agree and I'm a dog owner. I hate it when we are having a lovely walk and I end up stepping in dog poo. It takes a second to clear up after your dog, just laziness on the most part. Of course, some people aren't looking at their dog the whole time so miss when they do it it, I've watched owners not look at their dog once on a walk. Some dogs hide in bushes to do their poos, and this time of year when the leaves are on the ground it can be a challenge to find them.

You know very well Yanbu so I don't understand why you've started a thread about it tbh.
Yes every dog walker is responsible for cleaning up after their dog.we know that.shame on those who dont.I
Is this just a rant against all dog's and their owners?I wouldn't let my dogs anywhere near you,it's easy to spot people like you.

People seem to have got a lot better in my area, though there are a few specific walks where hanging bags of shit on fences seems weirdly popular.

This may be associated with more 'dog control orders' in local parks, and maybe there's a critical mass at which if enough people are seen picking up then it becomes the social norm?

I agree (before the hyperbole about children being maimed, which is SO mumsnet) but yeah standing in another dog’s shit while you’re cleaning up after your own dog puts you in a special kind of rage. Get some fluorescent spray paint and go out and spray all the shit bright yellow, once the village green actually looks as gross from a distance as it is close up maybe it will motivate people to tackle it properly

It’s revolting. The streets where I live in London are covered in dog poo, as is the park. It’s a nice area but spoiled by all the dog crap. It seems to be getting worse, as so many more people are getting dogs but can’t be bothered with all the responsibility that comes with being a dog owner.

YANBU. I say that as a dog lover, former and probable future owner.

Urgh. Just been reminded of the time I had morning sickness and was camping. Sister in law’s dog found some dog shit in the bushes and rolled around in it until it was covered. We had to walk miles back to campsite while I tried not to vomit. Dog got hosed down but still stank. DD then wrapped her lovely new fluffy dressing gown around dog because it looked cold. I still have post traumatic stress about this incident.

Next time I need a dump I’m going to shit on the green in front of a dog owner - and then jump up on their back saying “I’m friendly”.

It's disgusting. We have the same thing here. Rural village, miles of lovely walks but the lazy feckers exercise their dogs on the kids football pitch.

@serin we have loads of walks but i have limited mobility so go to the playing fields with my dog and his ball. I pick his shit up though

YANBU to say dog owners should pick up their dog's mess and have their dog under appropriate control. Few dog owners would disagree with you.

As this is a dog thread though it will inevitably get full of posters arguing for dogs to be banned everywhere other than fields specifically ok-ed for dogs or making the usual hysterical claims about how all dogs are feral predators and the whole world should cater to the fact they don't like dogs.