Just want to add my two cents about dog owners in Nelson. Some say it is only a few neglectful dog owners that have led to unjust rules that make dogs not welcome in Nelson. Personally I am not so sure how many responsible dog owners truly are responsible.
It was sunny earlier this month and I couldn’t resist getting out to enjoy the brilliance and warmth. While skiing on the rail trail I counted... yes counted... 13 piles of dog waste in 1.5 kilometre that I was required to ski around or watch where I put my ski poles. And those were just the piles I could see. Can’t imagine what is underneath the last snowfall and the one before that.
And then after my great ski I went out to my yard to prune trees and was required to remove two more large piles of dog waste.
I don’t own a dog. However, I was forced to dodge the waste of 15 dogs in one afternoon. That’s a lot of dog owners not paying attention to their dogs. Seems like a lot of irresponsible dog owners to me despite most people’s protestations that “it’s not me.” Well then, who is it?
My dream is to see all dog owners be respectful of others private property and all public spaces so that rules are not needed. The question for council is “what do we do until we get there.”
Susan Stryck
Nelson