Use John Wilson Ocean Dr properly or risk losing it

I AGREE totally with Tania Watson (letters, 13.4.19) regarding dogs on John Wilson Ocean Dr.

I walk my dogs up there on a regular basis, often three of them, offlead.

I often see other owners too engrossed in their conversations with a walking companion to take note of what their dogs are doing.

This happens all the time and I get quite annoyed about it. Often, the handler is quite a distance from me, so pointing out that they need to pick up after their dog is not possible.

As I still want to be able to use this lovely area for my dogs, I will often pick up after other dogs, and If I miss one of my dogs pooping, I would appreciate someone pointing it out to me.

The other day, I thought of taking a bucket and picking up all the deposits, just to point out how much there really is left up there.

It’s not fair to other dog handlers and the general public to have to deal with this.

Come on, handlers. Step up and scoop up before we are banned from this place. Kay Raw

Vauxhall

REFLECTING on the point made by Tania Watson about dog fouling, I agree that stepping on dog excrement is a smelly inconvenience, and seeing a pile that has been ignored by an otherwise engaged dog owner is frustrating to say the least.

The consequence for owners who neglect to pick up after their dogs is a $300 fine. However, having picked up countless items of plastic, glass, and general rubbish that have been left by an inconsiderate public, I question what the consequences are for those who litter.

As annoying, unhygienic, and unsightly as it is, dog fouling does not kill our sea life. Nor does it create a significant environmental concern for future generations to deal with.

Rather than single any groups out, I would hope that everybody learns to take responsibility for their choices and the impact that they have on others.

Lezanne Campbell

St Kilda