Every morning Tim McConnachie sits on his balcony and has a cuppa, but his relaxing morning ritual has turned to one of frustration due to an increase in dog owners not cleaning up after their pets.
The Surfside Holiday Apartments manager has noticed an increased of faeces being left behind both on his property as well as on the Ford Park Oval. He said he is not alone in his frustration with many other accommodation managers expressing their anger at the irresponsibility of some dog owners.
“We are coming into the busy summer period, we are all working hard to promote the area and if people come here and step in poo it leaves a bad taste in their mouth,” he said.
A 2013 survey conducted by research company Pure Profile found just 56 per cent of dog owners always picked up after their pooch. The survey also found nine per cent never picked up after their dog, and a five per cent would only collect the poop if someone was watching.
This is something Mr McConnachie says happens on a daily basis.
“Every morning I watch people stop while their dog does their business, I see them look up to see if anyone is watching them before picking it up. If they don’t see me watching they may just walk off. I’m constantly telling people it’s their responsibility as dog owner to pick up the mess.”
Mr McConnachie contacted Council and was impressed by their quick response by sending out rangers to patrol the area but he said more could be done.
“Ideally, I think signs should be installed warning people of the penalties and dog poo bag dispensers installed,” he said.
