Local dog issues cannot continue to be swept under the carpet

There have been obvious warnings, incidents, and complaints from various sources for many years, yet local dog problems continue unaddressed. There are few reasons why this might be, none of which advertise this island favourably. Here are three facts for focus:

n One key priority for any government is to protect from harm the physical health and wellbeing of the human population and visitors, and without compromise. Currently the opposite is happening, in consideration of dog issues.

n Guernsey has no reliable dog-free public spaces. Why? There should be an abundance of easy choices.

It is a basic need for all humans to have safe, clean, peaceful natural spaces to visit and express with joyous freedom, throughout the year.

It should be possible for all islanders and visitors to always feel safe from direct physical and biological harms posed by the presence of all dogs and dog waste. It is important to have faith there is freedom from daily intrusive, obstructive and threatening dog behaviours, assaults, dog-related noises, or aggressive canine attack. The current experience is contrary to this – has been for years. Furthermore, it should not be for the many affected island residents to complain and campaign for such obvious basics. An effective government must find sites for dogs to run around and excrete their toxic waste at managed locations, with all beaches and parks restored and returned to the people in a trustworthy state.

n Coastal wildlife continues to be damaged by dogs. Most instances of disruption occur in full knowledge and direction of those walking the animal, in some cases due to irresponsible careless intrusion into sensitive areas, other cases indicative of deliberate repeated disruption. Where too is the prevention of such harms through protection measures for our wildlife?

Local dog issues cannot continue being swept under the carpet by what many might only view as careless ignorance, incompetence, vested interest, or misplaced loyalty. Neither can the issues be fudged and compromised under a vague banner of better ‘management’. No amount of dog waste is safe or acceptable in our neighbourhoods and public spaces. It is a particular risk on beaches and parkland and highly discriminatory of vulnerable groups. However, the idea any human should be ‘forced’ to sit down in a dog toilet is rightly abhorrent to most clean-living, decent people. Where is this reflected in government policy?

There is no defence for the status quo, therefore it’s time government stepped-up to remedy without further delay. Most members of the public could have fully fixed the problems years ago, in very quick time, with much less aggravation. Can we please have ‘action this day’? Enough waiting. There should be no salary increases for civil servants or States deputies until the associated foot-dragging and can-kicking stops, and real solutions are in place.

Please stop the local dog farce that has degraded island life, damaging our apparently-valued reputation for too many years.

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