Madam, – On Saturday, my two daughters and I went to the Lough, a beautiful nature reserve with a toddler playground, outside the city. Unfortunately, the whole experience was ruined by the dog excrement that was so widespread it was impossible to avoid. It was on the footpath and grass – it was even smeared on the slide in the playground. Children may not notice dog faeces, but excrement on shoes and clothes can be accidentally ingested, resulting in serious illness.
The most consistent theme of political and social commentary (including this Letters page) for the past two years has been anger and frustration at the fact that the ordinary, decent taxpayer has to clean up the economic mess left by irresponsible bankers and politicians. If there are any dog owners among those outraged voices, can I respectfully suggest that personal responsibility begins with a small plastic bag at your local public park. – Yours, etc,