IT has long been a contentious issue and one that doesn’t seem easy to resolve.
The issue of dog fouling has blighted many communal areas, from grass verges outside homes to parks and playgrounds.
Now Kirklees Council is following Calderdale’s lead in considering banning dogs from play and recreation areas.
And with Kirklees Council having received 825 complaints about dog fouling since January it’s clear something needs to be done.
Finding a compromise has been a long time coming and maybe the solution, as suggested by Lindley’s Clr Christine Stanfield, is worth trying – parks are in, play areas are out where dogs are concerned.
And it’s perhaps the most sensible decision the council can consider implementing to keep two sets of people happy.
Children have a right to play outside without the risk of slipping in dog fouling left behind by an irresponsible dog owner.
Likewise adults engaging in sporting activities often find themselves in a sticky situation and having to clear up someone else’s mess.
But dog owners need somewhere to exercise their pets and big open spaces like parks will still provide that right.
Of course, if every dog owner cleared up after their pet this action would not need to be taken.
But while it may be backed and eventually implemented, are there the resources to enforce it?
