Sir, - A dog owner am I - one of the plastic-bag-carrying variety, I hasten to add. Alex Sullivan (July 6th) seemed to doubt our existence and for very good reason. I too have trod the paths around Sandycove, sidestepping those whiffy mounds which appear in huge abundance. Oh yes, the owners of the dogs responsible should carry out their civic duty and pick up what their dog drops!
While returning from an enjoyable stroll along another popular seaside trail recently, I had the misfortune to witness a dog dropping his load right in front of my eyes. This dog, however, was of the two-legged variety and a vicious breed at that! While sitting in his car, presumably enjoying the beautiful sunset, he flung an empty cigarette packet out the window and lit up his remaining fag.
I tentatively asked the mutt if he would mind picking up what he had dropped and placing it in the rubbish bin which was within 10 feet of his parked car. "Why should I?" he barked, "I pay my taxes. Let the corporation pick it up." The three pups in the car with him yapped with delight. "What a Dad," they no doubt said to themselves, with every intention of following in his pawsteps.
I subsequently reported this aggressive brute to the Dun Laoghaire/Rathdown Co Council litter warden, who happily presented him with a fine - well deserved, I think.
The facility for reporting offenders is there, be they owners of a four-legged breast or the two-legged variety themselves. Maybe a hefty fine might prevent them fouling a public walkway in the future. Here's hoping! - Yours, etc.,
Orla Farrell, Loreto Avenue, Rathfarnham, Dublin 14.