For the past generation or so we in North America have learned the art of "picking up" after our pets. I think what this really means is "picking up" after our dog. After all, cats are always nice and tidy and do it in the dirt. Then they "attempt" to cover it up. At least they try!
Dogs, however, don't seem to care where they go, but we humans do care. We had been upset for decades about dog messes in our yards, on our lawns, in our driveways, on our streets and, especially, on our sidewalks. There's nothing worse than coming into your house or getting into your car and discover that you have doo-doo on your shoe(s). However, that problem is now in our past. Everyone seems to be conscious about the problem and is doing his or her part. There are now fines in many communities if you are found lacking in the clean up department.
Well, what about horses manure on our public sidewalks? The pictures below I took today on one of our neighbourhood sidewalks. I noticed this mess yesterday and saw that it was still there today, so decided to write a blog about this blight on the community.
Victoria for many years has had horse drawn carriages as a sightseeing attraction for tourists. When I was a kid, I remember the mess that the horses made on our city streets. Eventually, enough tires would run over the stuff and the rains would wash it away. For the past decade or so, our city fathers thought it prudent to have the "mess" removed by a crew of pooper scoopers, employed by the cariage companies. And rightly so! Fines are now hefty if the "mess" is not cleaned up by the offending company.
Recently a more modern technology has been employed: attaching a bag to the back of the horse, just under the tail. It seems to be working, as I no longer see the Volkswagen with trailer and scooper on our streets, following the carriages.
So how about something along those lines for the equestrian who chooses to ride on our public sidewalks? I am not a horse rider, but I do think that a rider knows when it's horse has just made a royal mess on the public sidewalk.
I guess horses are not considered pets. If they were, then the "pick up" laws should apply.
I don't have an answer to this dilemma. I'm just bringing it to the public's attention. Is this the only communtiy with this problem--surely not?
Any thoughts or solutions out there? I welcome your comments.
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