Wantage and Grove
New move in row over dogs' mess
PARISH councillors at Grove want dogs restricted to leads in two popular exercise areas in a bid to cut a fouling problem.
They would like to see a dog control order introduced on the recreation ground in Cane Lane and Wasbrough Field - it would mean owners having to keep their animals on leads at all times and restricting them to the perimeter of the land only.
The proposal is the latest step in controversial plans to ban dogs from the two areas following a catalogue of complaints from sports teams using the pitches whose players have ended up getting covered in dogs' mess - and the health risk it poses.
However, the parish council would have to go through Vale of White Horse District Council to get the order imposed - and any objections would have to considered.
The parish council would also need the permission of Bill Wasbrough, owner of Wasbrough Field, before the order was enforced. Mr Wasbrough leases the land to the council for public use and is opposed to the idea of a complete ban.
Parish clerk Graham Mundy said: "Dogs won't be able to run fully at all. They have to be kept on leads. It would be an interim measure.
"There is a process we have to go through to implement a dog control order with the Vale of White Horse District Council. We would have to wait for any objections."
Environmental wardens from the Vale council would patrol the area and Thames Valley Police said they would also support the search for offenders. Fines would be handed to anyone caught without their dog on a lead.
Roger Homer, of Grove Rugby Club, said: "Anything that stops dogs messing on the pitch is a good thing.
"It's got slightly better but we definitely want the ban. You can't have dogs running over the pitches the kids play on. It's disgraceful, it's absolutely disgusting."
Dog walker Vanessa Patrick, 42, of Fairfield Close, said: "I'm not happy because I always pick up after my dog. Other areas are a bit isolated for dog walking but this area is quick, convenient and safe.
"I wonder if it's all done at night and in the evenings when it gets dark and people can't see what their dogs are doing."
A pensioner from Columbia Way said: "It's a shame. It's very social and it's convenient to come here. My dog needs to have a good run round and he is familiar with this walk, he almost brings me here."
The parish councillors have agreed that alternative exercise areas need to be found before the ban is put in place. Dog owners have been asked to make suggestions as part of a public consultation on the dog ban.
Residents should write to the council before May 27 to make sure their views are heard.
4:13pm Friday 2nd May 2008
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CommentPosted by: Graham, Wantage on 6:41pm Fri 2 May 08
Yesssss!
As I've said about a hundred times, the first step is to get the damned dogs on leads - then there's no question of the owner "not knowing" what the dog is doing.
I shall be writing to "the council" in this case Grove Parish Council, School Lane, Grove, Oxfordshire OX12 7LB for the attention of Mr Mundy, Clerk to the Council, in support of this step.
And for all the dog owners who are about to say "but I can't exercise my dog properly when it's on a lead" I have the following to say:
1) Teach your dog to run beside you - exercise is good for you and him.
2) If you can't physically run, at least walk briskly (see 5 )
3) Hire a local youth, wishing to improve their image with the general public, as a dog-runner, to run up and down for 20 mins with your dog on it's lead (and a plastic bag in their pocket, just in case.)
4) Go somewhere else to let him off the lead - for god's sake, we are surrounded by countryside, it's not as though the Rec is the only green area for miles. (If you don't have a car, see 5 )
5) If you are bleating that you can't exercise your dog properly, then perhaps you should consider whether it is morally correct for you to own a dog.
And yes I know they're good company, but don't be so selfish: if you can't physically or socially arrange for your dog to get adequate exercise, then maybe you should have him rehomed and get a less demanding pet.
Yesssss!
As I've said about a hundred times, the first step is to get the damned dogs on leads - then there's no question of the owner "not knowing" what the dog is doing.
I shall be writing to "the council" in this case Grove Parish Council, School Lane, Grove, Oxfordshire OX12 7LB for the attention of Mr Mundy, Clerk to the Council, in support of this step.
And for all the dog owners who are about to say "but I can't exercise my dog properly when it's on a lead" I have the following to say:
1) Teach your dog to run beside you - exercise is good for you and him.
2) If you can't physically run, at least walk briskly (see 5 )
3) Hire a local youth, wishing to improve their image with the general public, as a dog-runner, to run up and down for 20 mins with your dog on it's lead (and a plastic bag in their pocket, just in case.)
4) Go somewhere else to let him off the lead - for god's sake, we are surrounded by countryside, it's not as though the Rec is the only green area for miles. (If you don't have a car, see 5 )
5) If you are bleating that you can't exercise your dog properly, then perhaps you should consider whether it is morally correct for you to own a dog.
And yes I know they're good company, but don't be so selfish: if you can't physically or socially arrange for your dog to get adequate exercise, then maybe you should have him rehomed and get a less demanding pet.
Posted by: simon, out there... on 8:08am Sun 4 May 08
I agree with the above post- especially point 5. Not a truer word spoken.
I agree with the above post- especially point 5. Not a truer word spoken.
Posted by: Vicki, Grove on 11:27am Sun 4 May 08
My partner & I waited for nine years before we had everything in place to enable us to get our two dogs. A MAJOR consideration was the ability to exercise our dogs freely on the recreational ground and ajoining field. During our years of waiting we saw dogs being exercised freely here and so had no reason to think that they would be restricted to leads or banned from the area. Are existing dog owners expected to give up their pets? Is this morally acceptable?
As responsible pet owners we ALWAYS clean up after our dogs, and have yet to see anyone not clear up their dog's mess. Could much of the problem be due to foxes and cats (etc)? How will these be controlled?
I challenge anyone to properly exercise two young labradors on the leads.....no human can run as fast as a dog.
The recent animal welfare legislation states that animals MUST be allowed to exhibit their natural behaviour - dogs naturally run!
There is no other PUBLIC land within WALKING distance of Grove on which dogs can safely run off their leads. Do you condone the extra contribution to global warming if all the dog owners of Grove had to drive several miles, [bold]two or three times a day[/bold] , in order to safely exercise their pets? What about those unable to drive?
Is it fair to punish responsible dog owners for the inconsiderate behaviour of a few people? If so, should all sports players be banned because a few leave blood contaminated bandages on the field? Are players routinely tested for HIV & hepatitis?
At the annual parish meeting, it was suggested that dog walkers should have the use of Wasbrough Field, and the sports players have the rest of the area (including the soon to be built pitches behind the health centre). Counciller Aikers said this wouldn't happen as there still are not enough sports pitches. I have yet to see all of the existing ones used at the same time, and much of the time they are not used at all. However, the area is used for dog walking seven days a week, all year round. Has anyone measured the ACTUAL use of the recreational ground and adjacent fields by sports players and dog walkers? Are the majority users about to be restricted/banned? Is this how a democracy works?
I believe that the recreational grounds were for the residents of Grove, and are maintained by the taxes they pay. Is this no longer the case? Do sports clubs have priority over use of our village facilities and council tax?
May I suggest that my fellow dog walkers make themselves heard on this issue, or we stand to lose an excellent facility.
My partner & I waited for nine years before we had everything in place to enable us to get our two dogs. A MAJOR consideration was the ability to exercise our dogs freely on the recreational ground and ajoining field. During our years of waiting we saw dogs being exercised freely here and so had no reason to think that they would be restricted to leads or banned from the area. Are existing dog owners expected to give up their pets? Is this morally acceptable?
As responsible pet owners we ALWAYS clean up after our dogs, and have yet to see anyone not clear up their dog's mess. Could much of the problem be due to foxes and cats (etc)? How will these be controlled?
I challenge anyone to properly exercise two young labradors on the leads.....no human can run as fast as a dog.
The recent animal welfare legislation states that animals MUST be allowed to exhibit their natural behaviour - dogs naturally run!
There is no other PUBLIC land within WALKING distance of Grove on which dogs can safely run off their leads. Do you condone the extra contribution to global warming if all the dog owners of Grove had to drive several miles,
two or three times a day , in order to safely exercise their pets? What about those unable to drive?
Is it fair to punish responsible dog owners for the inconsiderate behaviour of a few people? If so, should all sports players be banned because a few leave blood contaminated bandages on the field? Are players routinely tested for HIV & hepatitis?
At the annual parish meeting, it was suggested that dog walkers should have the use of Wasbrough Field, and the sports players have the rest of the area (including the soon to be built pitches behind the health centre). Counciller Aikers said this wouldn't happen as there still are not enough sports pitches. I have yet to see all of the existing ones used at the same time, and much of the time they are not used at all. However, the area is used for dog walking seven days a week, all year round. Has anyone measured the ACTUAL use of the recreational ground and adjacent fields by sports players and dog walkers? Are the majority users about to be restricted/banned? Is this how a democracy works?
I believe that the recreational grounds were for the residents of Grove, and are maintained by the taxes they pay. Is this no longer the case? Do sports clubs have priority over use of our village facilities and council tax?
May I suggest that my fellow dog walkers make themselves heard on this issue, or we stand to lose an excellent facility.
Posted by: wayne, wantage on 12:21pm Mon 5 May 08
the rec ground is for everyone not just for people playing sports,this country is going to the dogs with what you can and can't do,yes dog owners need to pick up after their pooches but people also need to look where they are going.Time these wingers got a life and protested about something worthwhile
the rec ground is for everyone not just for people playing sports,this country is going to the dogs with what you can and can't do,yes dog owners need to pick up after their pooches but people also need to look where they are going.Time these wingers got a life and protested about something worthwhile
Posted by: Wantage Exile, Sale on 1:08pm Mon 5 May 08
[quote][bold]wayne[/bold] wrote:
the rec ground is for everyone not just for people playing sports,this country is going to the dogs with what you can and can't do,yes dog owners need to pick up after their pooches but people also need to look where they are going.Time these wingers got a life and protested about something worthwhile[/quote] Are the wingers the only ones who complain!
On a serious note the rec is a public area and people should be allowed to walk their dogs but should take responsibility for them.
wayne wrote:
the rec ground is for everyone not just for people playing sports,this country is going to the dogs with what you can and can't do,yes dog owners need to pick up after their pooches but people also need to look where they are going.Time these wingers got a life and protested about something worthwhile
Are the wingers the only ones who complain!
On a serious note the rec is a public area and people should be allowed to walk their dogs but should take responsibility for them.
Posted by: Wantage Exile, Sale on 1:08pm Mon 5 May 08
[quote][bold]wayne[/bold] wrote:
the rec ground is for everyone not just for people playing sports,this country is going to the dogs with what you can and can't do,yes dog owners need to pick up after their pooches but people also need to look where they are going.Time these wingers got a life and protested about something worthwhile[/quote] Are the wingers the only ones who complain!
On a serious note the rec is a public area and people should be allowed to walk their dogs but should take responsibility for them.
wayne wrote:
the rec ground is for everyone not just for people playing sports,this country is going to the dogs with what you can and can't do,yes dog owners need to pick up after their pooches but people also need to look where they are going.Time these wingers got a life and protested about something worthwhile
Are the wingers the only ones who complain!
On a serious note the rec is a public area and people should be allowed to walk their dogs but should take responsibility for them.
Posted by: Dean, Grove on 1:47pm Mon 5 May 08
I agree with everything that Vicki has said above, As we have said for months now it is a slight few people that do not pick up after thier dogs...
I pay my taxes just like the sports players so what gives them priority over me ?
Further more we dont appreciate members of the Rugby / Football Club becoming aggressive and shouting at us ( Roger Homer ) who felt it his duty to appraoch 2 female friends of mine and verbaly abuse them for walking their dogs there.
A good point vicki about the blood from the bandages I have seen several blood soaked rags around the edges of the pitch but no doubt that will not be taken in to consideration..
The probem of fouling has been much improved since this campaign has started, which is what we all want- nobody likes walking throguh dog mess whether you own a dog or not.
I good altenative place would be the field behind the health centre but I now realise that this too is supposed to be for yet more sports pitches... Just as the sports clubs enjoy using this land so do we..
Regards
I agree with everything that Vicki has said above, As we have said for months now it is a slight few people that do not pick up after thier dogs...
I pay my taxes just like the sports players so what gives them priority over me ?
Further more we dont appreciate members of the Rugby / Football Club becoming aggressive and shouting at us ( Roger Homer ) who felt it his duty to appraoch 2 female friends of mine and verbaly abuse them for walking their dogs there.
A good point vicki about the blood from the bandages I have seen several blood soaked rags around the edges of the pitch but no doubt that will not be taken in to consideration..
The probem of fouling has been much improved since this campaign has started, which is what we all want- nobody likes walking throguh dog mess whether you own a dog or not.
I good altenative place would be the field behind the health centre but I now realise that this too is supposed to be for yet more sports pitches... Just as the sports clubs enjoy using this land so do we..
Regards
Posted by: Vicki, Grove on 3:10pm Mon 5 May 08
We have until 20th May to make our feelings known to Grove Parish Council, and to make any suggestions. Please send them an email - maybe if enough of us do, we will keep the right to freely exercise our dogs on this land. Email: parishcouncil@Grove-
oxon.org.uk
We have until 20th May to make our feelings known to Grove Parish Council, and to make any suggestions. Please send them an email - maybe if enough of us do, we will keep the right to freely exercise our dogs on this land. Email: parishcouncil@Grove-
oxon.org.uk
Posted by: Anon, Grove on 1:02pm Tue 6 May 08
So what Graham is saying is if they ban dogs and you don't have access to a similar facility then you should give up your dog! I agree with giving them excercise but that is unfair on those of us who clean up after ourselves and are now being advised to give up our dogs!
As they have said they cannot put the ban in place until they find somewhere for us to go so I will be putting in my views but at the same time I will be thinking of an alternative.
Although, it would be easier if we could just resolve the problem at the rugby club. Pretty much everyone has cameras on their phones nowadays so why doesn't everyone keep an eye out and try and catch the people causing the problem (including the person in the Grove FC football top spotted not clearing up after his dog!)
So what Graham is saying is if they ban dogs and you don't have access to a similar facility then you should give up your dog! I agree with giving them excercise but that is unfair on those of us who clean up after ourselves and are now being advised to give up our dogs!
As they have said they cannot put the ban in place until they find somewhere for us to go so I will be putting in my views but at the same time I will be thinking of an alternative.
Although, it would be easier if we could just resolve the problem at the rugby club. Pretty much everyone has cameras on their phones nowadays so why doesn't everyone keep an eye out and try and catch the people causing the problem (including the person in the Grove FC football top spotted not clearing up after his dog!)
Posted by: Graham, Wantage on 7:16pm Tue 6 May 08
Hello Anon, and thanks for your comments:
I know it sounds as though I'm telling people to get rid of their dogs - I'm not really that hard-hearted, just sick to death of treading in the poo, and not just on the Rec and field. My point remains, if you can't exercise your dog properly, (sorry, if "one" can't exercise "one's" dog properly) then you shouldn't have a dog.
There is no excuse for not picking up the poo: there's been enough publicity now, all dog owners must surely be aware that it's a £1000 fine.
Trouble is, has anyone ever actually been fined, yet? Mr Marshall, environmental warden, could you please give us your comments: have you "done" anyone, yet?
As I see it, how on earth do you prove it? Anon's point about the mobile phones is a good one - as long are you are prepared to risk being biffed on the nose by an angry owner, or an angry parent thinking you're a paedophile......
Perhaps we need a "name and shame" website (called Poo Corner, possibly) where we can send those phone pictures.
I quite like the idea of anti-poo vigilantes dressing up as trees with cameras hidden in the branches....
Hello Anon, and thanks for your comments:
I know it sounds as though I'm telling people to get rid of their dogs - I'm not really that hard-hearted, just sick to death of treading in the poo, and not just on the Rec and field. My point remains, if you can't exercise your dog properly, (sorry, if "one" can't exercise "one's" dog properly) then you shouldn't have a dog.
There is no excuse for not picking up the poo: there's been enough publicity now, all dog owners must surely be aware that it's a £1000 fine.
Trouble is, has anyone ever actually been fined, yet? Mr Marshall, environmental warden, could you please give us your comments: have you "done" anyone, yet?
As I see it, how on earth do you prove it? Anon's point about the mobile phones is a good one - as long are you are prepared to risk being biffed on the nose by an angry owner, or an angry parent thinking you're a paedophile......
Perhaps we need a "name and shame" website (called Poo Corner, possibly) where we can send those phone pictures.
I quite like the idea of anti-poo vigilantes dressing up as trees with cameras hidden in the branches....
Posted by: Anon, Grove on 2:27pm Wed 7 May 08
I have never heard of anything so ridiculous! Banning dogs from walking off the lead at a rec ground. I do not own a dog at present (but have done in the past) and enjoy walks in and around grove, I have never stepped in dogs mess - I would suggest that Graham needs to be looking where he is walking. I pay my council tax and therefore would expect that I could walk my dog on or off the lead wherever I so choose. This really is a step too far, dont let those few who fail to pick up their dogs mess ruin it for everyone else. And might I suggest we add a few more doggy poo bins where these problems occur?
I have never heard of anything so ridiculous! Banning dogs from walking off the lead at a rec ground. I do not own a dog at present (but have done in the past) and enjoy walks in and around grove, I have never stepped in dogs mess - I would suggest that Graham needs to be looking where he is walking. I pay my council tax and therefore would expect that I could walk my dog on or off the lead wherever I so choose. This really is a step too far, dont let those few who fail to pick up their dogs mess ruin it for everyone else. And might I suggest we add a few more doggy poo bins where these problems occur?
Posted by: Anon, Grove on 2:28pm Wed 7 May 08
I have never heard of anything so ridiculous! Banning dogs from walking off the lead at a rec ground. I do not own a dog at present (but have done in the past) and enjoy walks in and around grove, I have never stepped in dogs mess - I would suggest that Graham needs to be looking where he is walking. I pay my council tax and therefore would expect that I could walk my dog on or off the lead wherever I so choose. This really is a step too far, dont let those few who fail to pick up their dogs mess ruin it for everyone else. And might I suggest we add a few more doggy poo bins where these problems occur?
I have never heard of anything so ridiculous! Banning dogs from walking off the lead at a rec ground. I do not own a dog at present (but have done in the past) and enjoy walks in and around grove, I have never stepped in dogs mess - I would suggest that Graham needs to be looking where he is walking. I pay my council tax and therefore would expect that I could walk my dog on or off the lead wherever I so choose. This really is a step too far, dont let those few who fail to pick up their dogs mess ruin it for everyone else. And might I suggest we add a few more doggy poo bins where these problems occur?
Posted by: G.W, grove on 8:22pm Thu 8 May 08
Is this the same Roger Homer that seems to think it appropriate to set alight rugby club rubbish rather than dispose of it in a proper manner? Watch him carefully carrying the rubbish out and torching it with absolutely no consideration for either his neighbours or the environment ... hypocrite!!!!
Is this the same Roger Homer that seems to think it appropriate to set alight rugby club rubbish rather than dispose of it in a proper manner? Watch him carefully carrying the rubbish out and torching it with absolutely no consideration for either his neighbours or the environment ... hypocrite!!!!
Posted by: Dean, Grove on 11:56am Fri 9 May 08
Dear G.W Yes that would be the same Roger Homer !!! HE IS A ABSLOUTE FOOL !!
Dear G.W Yes that would be the same Roger Homer !!! HE IS A ABSLOUTE FOOL !!
Posted by: General Public, Wantage on 12:18pm Fri 9 May 08
I have to say I fully support dogs being banned from the sports fields, or at least made to stay on a lead. I tried to take a football for a kick around in the field with my 8 year old son a few weeks back and spent most of the time trying to convince him that several dogs roaming loose would not try and chase the ball. We left the field in the end.
Why do dog owners not see that whether their dog is not a problem children still see dogs off leads as a problem?
I have to say I fully support dogs being banned from the sports fields, or at least made to stay on a lead. I tried to take a football for a kick around in the field with my 8 year old son a few weeks back and spent most of the time trying to convince him that several dogs roaming loose would not try and chase the ball. We left the field in the end.
Why do dog owners not see that whether their dog is not a problem children still see dogs off leads as a problem?
Posted by: Vicki, Grove on 12:36pm Fri 9 May 08
There is a meeting of the Leasure and Recreation Committe on Tuesday 27th May at 7:30pm at Old Mill Hall, Grove. They will be discussing correspondence received and the dog ban. Please turn up and make your feelings known. This may be our last chance to oppose the ban.
In response to General Public - Did any dogs run over and scare your son? Don't you think it is a little unreasonable to spoil the daily enjoyment of the Recreational Ground by pets and their owners because of a percieved threat? If you want to show your son that most dogs are friendly and not to be worried by them, I will be more than happy to introduce him to my labrador puppies - both are well trained and love to meet new people.
There is a meeting of the Leasure and Recreation Committe on Tuesday 27th May at 7:30pm at Old Mill Hall, Grove. They will be discussing correspondence received and the dog ban. Please turn up and make your feelings known. This may be our last chance to oppose the ban.
In response to General Public - Did any dogs run over and scare your son? Don't you think it is a little unreasonable to spoil the daily enjoyment of the Recreational Ground by pets and their owners because of a percieved threat? If you want to show your son that most dogs are friendly and not to be worried by them, I will be more than happy to introduce him to my labrador puppies - both are well trained and love to meet new people.
Posted by: Dean, grove on 3:44pm Fri 9 May 08
yes Vicki I have booked the day off so I will be there too !
I have emailed the Kennel Club who have replied with some interesting reading material , I am at work now but as normal should be there about 5 if you want to look have a look at it.
General public - I am sorry to hear that you felt the need to leave the fields, would it not be best to show your son that there is no need to be fearful of dogs ? I know it can be scary being appraoched by an unknown dog especailly if you dont know how to act around dogs, I think alot of people children and adults have an unbased fear of dogs, I can understand if they have been bitten but I would hope that NOBODY would allow a dog known to be agressive off the lead in a public place.
Like Vicki said if you want your son to meet new dogs and learn how to act around them please let us know and we will be more than willing to help,
Dogs understand body language more than vocal commands therefore knowing how to behave and carry yourself around loose dogs is important/ aswell as understanding the body language of dogs themselves.
yes Vicki I have booked the day off so I will be there too !
I have emailed the Kennel Club who have replied with some interesting reading material , I am at work now but as normal should be there about 5 if you want to look have a look at it.
General public - I am sorry to hear that you felt the need to leave the fields, would it not be best to show your son that there is no need to be fearful of dogs ? I know it can be scary being appraoched by an unknown dog especailly if you dont know how to act around dogs, I think alot of people children and adults have an unbased fear of dogs, I can understand if they have been bitten but I would hope that NOBODY would allow a dog known to be agressive off the lead in a public place.
Like Vicki said if you want your son to meet new dogs and learn how to act around them please let us know and we will be more than willing to help,
Dogs understand body language more than vocal commands therefore knowing how to behave and carry yourself around loose dogs is important/ aswell as understanding the body language of dogs themselves.
Posted by: General Public, Wantage on 4:22pm Fri 9 May 08
Thanks Dean and Vicki for the offers. I am guessing you are both responsible dog owners. Like everything in life these days there are other people who are not responsible for their actions and seem to take joy out causing others discomfort. Last year we cycled round the back of Metal Box to Challow, downt he country lane about 100 yards ahead of us an Alsation was roaming loose with its owner and decided to start barking and snarling, charging down the road towards us. I'm not sure about my son but scared the **!** out of me! The girl walking it shouted not to worry it's a guard dog and is only curious. I was put in the position of having to stand in front of my son to protect him from a perceived threat. The dog jumped up at me and had a good sniff then walked away.
It's one thing to tell my son not to worry but I also feel that is it 10% of dogs (or the dog's owner) who may not be under control or 20% or 50%?
If the dog is on a lead then the problem is reduced by a huge amount.
I liked the idea of a specific dog area somewhere near the fields, but that would cost money!
Thanks Dean and Vicki for the offers. I am guessing you are both responsible dog owners. Like everything in life these days there are other people who are not responsible for their actions and seem to take joy out causing others discomfort. Last year we cycled round the back of Metal Box to Challow, downt he country lane about 100 yards ahead of us an Alsation was roaming loose with its owner and decided to start barking and snarling, charging down the road towards us. I'm not sure about my son but scared the **!** out of me! The girl walking it shouted not to worry it's a guard dog and is only curious. I was put in the position of having to stand in front of my son to protect him from a perceived threat. The dog jumped up at me and had a good sniff then walked away.
It's one thing to tell my son not to worry but I also feel that is it 10% of dogs (or the dog's owner) who may not be under control or 20% or 50%?
If the dog is on a lead then the problem is reduced by a huge amount.
I liked the idea of a specific dog area somewhere near the fields, but that would cost money!
Posted by: Mike, Grove on 4:14pm Sat 10 May 08
This is a case of the minority spoiling it for the majority. The laws are in place, why should dog owners be punished for the parish councils inability to police the laws correctly. Apply the punishment and people will think twice before letting their dog foul. We spend many hours exercising our dog there and the majority of dog owners are good, honest people, who always clear up behind their dogs. We also have a son who plays football there for Grove Challengers and part of my pre match ritual is to walk the pitch to check for dog mess.
Graham, Wantage - obviously no one to look after other than himself. Go and get a dog and share your life with someone - you never know it may enrich you! Failing that, go and dress up as a tree to spy on people enjoying themselves. To me that sounds like a pastime made just for you, wear some wellies though, in case a nasty dog tries to water your feet!!
Roger Homer - I need say no more - the posted comments sum him up beatifully.
Rugby Club - so far up their own A**** I'm surprised they can smell the dog mess.
As a footnote - The ban will go ahead no matter what. The Parish council are so far out of touch with what the public want, the laws have already been written!. Servo is in Prosapia.
This is a case of the minority spoiling it for the majority. The laws are in place, why should dog owners be punished for the parish councils inability to police the laws correctly. Apply the punishment and people will think twice before letting their dog foul. We spend many hours exercising our dog there and the majority of dog owners are good, honest people, who always clear up behind their dogs. We also have a son who plays football there for Grove Challengers and part of my pre match ritual is to walk the pitch to check for dog mess.
Graham, Wantage - obviously no one to look after other than himself. Go and get a dog and share your life with someone - you never know it may enrich you! Failing that, go and dress up as a tree to spy on people enjoying themselves. To me that sounds like a pastime made just for you, wear some wellies though, in case a nasty dog tries to water your feet!!
Roger Homer - I need say no more - the posted comments sum him up beatifully.
Rugby Club - so far up their own A**** I'm surprised they can smell the dog mess.
As a footnote - The ban will go ahead no matter what. The Parish council are so far out of touch with what the public want, the laws have already been written!. Servo is in Prosapia.
Posted by: Julie, Grove on 8:16pm Mon 12 May 08
General Public. Unfortunately, I took my four year old daughter to the rec many months ago. A dog came bounding up and jumped at her. "It's OK he won't hurt her" says the owner but try telling that to a four year old, and at the end of the day there is always that first time. She is now terrified of dogs. Each time one comes near her she has to be picked up until they have gone away.
General Public. Unfortunately, I took my four year old daughter to the rec many months ago. A dog came bounding up and jumped at her. "It's OK he won't hurt her" says the owner but try telling that to a four year old, and at the end of the day there is always that first time. She is now terrified of dogs. Each time one comes near her she has to be picked up until they have gone away.
Posted by: Mike, Grove on 1:19pm Tue 13 May 08
Sorry to hear about that Julie, but, quite often it's the reaction of the parents that will influence the childs response. The dog did not mean to frighten anyone, I'm sure, but if the way you reacted was noticed by your child then this is the way they will react when faced with this situation again. Have you tried mixing your daughter with a known dog under more controlled conditions to alleviate her fear of dogs?? It would be a shame if she has to go through all of her life with a fear of dogs and perhaps other animals.
Sorry to hear about that Julie, but, quite often it's the reaction of the parents that will influence the childs response. The dog did not mean to frighten anyone, I'm sure, but if the way you reacted was noticed by your child then this is the way they will react when faced with this situation again. Have you tried mixing your daughter with a known dog under more controlled conditions to alleviate her fear of dogs?? It would be a shame if she has to go through all of her life with a fear of dogs and perhaps other animals.
Posted by: Dean, Grove on 2:38pm Tue 13 May 08
I am sorry to hear that Julie dog owners should be more aware if there are small Children around ! I do agree with Mike's comments the way a parent or authirty figure reacts when faced an unfamiliar situation will effect the way Children respond to different situations later in life, Children by their nature will copy adults behaviour if you had appraoched the situation in a a calm manner then getting the dog to sit so she could stroke him I am sure that her now in bedded fear of dogs would not be so bad. I have a young relative who is so scared of dogs he cant even walk past them in the street when they are on lead, he has never been attacked or even been approached by a over excited dog is fear is based purely on his mothers dislike of dogs like her son she has never been attacked or greeted by an over enthusiastic dog. This surely cant be healthy for some to live is so much fear of something that they have never been into contact with.
I am sorry to hear that Julie dog owners should be more aware if there are small Children around ! I do agree with Mike's comments the way a parent or authirty figure reacts when faced an unfamiliar situation will effect the way Children respond to different situations later in life, Children by their nature will copy adults behaviour if you had appraoched the situation in a a calm manner then getting the dog to sit so she could stroke him I am sure that her now in bedded fear of dogs would not be so bad. I have a young relative who is so scared of dogs he cant even walk past them in the street when they are on lead, he has never been attacked or even been approached by a over excited dog is fear is based purely on his mothers dislike of dogs like her son she has never been attacked or greeted by an over enthusiastic dog. This surely cant be healthy for some to live is so much fear of something that they have never been into contact with.
Posted by: Julie, Grove on 6:09pm Tue 13 May 08
Thanks for your comments Mike and Dean. Unfortunately, as a child the same thing happened to me on the way home from school. So as you say maybe my reaction could have something to do with it. However you cannot take away the news reports of children being attacked by dogs. And Dean as a non dog owner, sorry, I would have no idea how to get a dog to sit!! Furthermore, as I have stated regarding this subject many times before, I have had to stop my daughter going to the rec on a Saturday morning to watch her brother play football because of the amount of dog fouling. However, I do believe, that unfortunately it is the minority spoiling it for the majority. Perhaps the after dark walkers?
Thanks for your comments Mike and Dean. Unfortunately, as a child the same thing happened to me on the way home from school. So as you say maybe my reaction could have something to do with it. However you cannot take away the news reports of children being attacked by dogs. And Dean as a non dog owner, sorry, I would have no idea how to get a dog to sit!! Furthermore, as I have stated regarding this subject many times before, I have had to stop my daughter going to the rec on a Saturday morning to watch her brother play football because of the amount of dog fouling. However, I do believe, that unfortunately it is the minority spoiling it for the majority. Perhaps the after dark walkers?
Posted by: Dean, grove on 6:36pm Tue 13 May 08
It probably is the after dark walkers the whole issue of dog fouling is that it needs to be policed either by wardens or members of the public more rigourously and fines must be enforced its ok having signs everywhere say £50 fine but if they are not followed through they are not worth putting up are they ?
Im sorry to hear that the same happened to you aswell Julie that does not help the situation, I do think that both you and your douaghter could benefit from spending time around dogs in a controlled environment to help alleviate your fears, Obviously like you said there always is a first time but I would hope and expect anyone owning an aggressive dog not have it off lead in a public place.
regards
dean
It probably is the after dark walkers the whole issue of dog fouling is that it needs to be policed either by wardens or members of the public more rigourously and fines must be enforced its ok having signs everywhere say £50 fine but if they are not followed through they are not worth putting up are they ?
Im sorry to hear that the same happened to you aswell Julie that does not help the situation, I do think that both you and your douaghter could benefit from spending time around dogs in a controlled environment to help alleviate your fears, Obviously like you said there always is a first time but I would hope and expect anyone owning an aggressive dog not have it off lead in a public place.
regards
dean
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