Dear Editor,
People who live in a democracy choose their representatives who then make reasonable, informed decisions on their behalf. For those who don’t make reasonable decision they face the electorate on a regular basis. Most people who live in a democracy choose to obey the laws, bylaws, or regulations that their representatives make. For those who choose not to obey we have the police and bylaw enforcement officers.
The Town of Barrhead has a pet bylaw which attempts to govern owners of pets; not the pets themselves. Pets can not be left to roam at will and must be kept on a leash when out of the house. Pet owners must pick up after their pets when they defecate on public or private property. For the pet owners who follow the bylaw, thank you.
For the few who do not, I don’t appreciate having to shovel your pet’s excrement from my lawn, garden or flower bed. You, not your pet, are responsible for their mess just as you are responsible for your children’s actions up to a certain age. If your children are letting your pet out in your absence, then it is your responsibility to teach your children the bylaw and its consequences.
If you must let your pet out then tie it to a long lead from your porch or steps.
Today, again, I had to clean up your pet’s mess from my lawn. In the future I will, if possible, contain your pet that defecates in my yard and turn your pet over to the bylaw enforcement officer.
Dan Garvey
