Dear Editor:
I was out for a walk on a recent Sunday morning with my toddler on Pier C in Hoboken. It was a quiet morning after a rainy night and few people were out. As we approached my child’s favorite playground, I watched in disgust as a couple allowed their dog to run around in the gated children’s playground and relieve himself.
I exchanged some unpleasant words with this couple and have been angry over the incident ever since. I am curious as to how a pet owner can rationalize this callous disregard for public health. I also feel saddened and upset that the police department does not make these public nuisance issues more of a priority.
The animals (owner) that I witnessed were quite brazen in their disgusting misdeed and clearly felt no fear of punishment as they lingered over coffee while their dog ran around in the kiddie sandbox. It seems likely they have done this before. I do recognize that dog poop in the sandbox is not a top priority in a city like Hoboken, but as a parent and a taxpayer, this incident will stay in my mind as I consider whether it makes sense for my family to stay in Hoboken.
Adrienne Dougherty