Dear Editor:
This is in response to Doreen DeCosmis’ letter published in last week’s “Reporter.” Though accurate and responsible, it failed to recognize a more important and significant health problem taking place in our community these days. One that has taken on an especially dangerous and malodorous situation of late, due to the warm climate we are currently experiencing and will continue to worsen with the oncoming hot summer heat.
I am speaking of the irresponsible, selfish, lazy dog owners who fail to clean up after their beloved pets. I write this letter with strong emotion today because just this morning I walked out of my home and had the gross displeasure of finding and having to dispose of a large bag of dog waste that was left in the middle of my walkway. I suppose I should have been grateful that the waste was in a bag, but if this dog owner was so conscientious, could he or she not taken the time and the few steps to place the bag in my trash can?
I have also noticed during my daily walks the disgusting odor and heaps of dog waste that I and others are obliged to negotiate around, making these walks most unpleasurable. The Township of Weehawken not only supplies waste bags for the dog owner’s use, but does an excellent job of cleaning up after those who do not choose to avail themselves of these services that are generously provided to them at the expense of our township, ergo the taxpayers. There are even some dog walkers who do pick up after their pets, but for some unknown reason, opt to hang these bags on the fence surrounding the reservoir, instead of placing them in the nearest receptacles. What, may I ask is the point to this? Not only is it unsightly and offensive, it is an insult to those workers who are forced to remove them!
Let me make it clear that I am not a dog hater. In fact, it is quite the opposite. I also recognize and commend those responsible owners who do clean up after their pets and respect the quality of life of their neighbors and street cleaners. Those who take into consideration the health risks of our children who are forced to come into contact with this waste.
When you take on the responsibility of owning a dog there are two simple rules of etiquette and law that you must assume. The first is safety; leash your dog at all times. The second is also safety; clean up after and dispose of your dog’s waste in a sanitary manner. These are not just matters of respect, these are the laws!
Ms. DeCosmis is to be applauded for her concerns regarding the proper behavior of dogs in their dog runs, but much more can be said about the behavior of dogs and their owners in our own local playgrounds and on our local streets. For all of those who recognize themselves in this letter, I must ask that you let your conscience be your guide. With all that is going on in the world today, is this such a difficult request? I don’t think so.
Elaine Flood