DOG NUISANCE

Evening Star, Issue 22085, 19 July 1935, Page 5

DOG NUISANCE

PROTECTING PUBLIC HEALTH AUTHORITIES ON THE ALERT Judging from correspondence which has appeared in the ‘ Evening Star',’ it seems that the public of Dunedin are taking a live interest in the problems and dangers associated with the dog nuisance. And there can be no doubt that a dog nuisance definitely exists. Correspondents who complain of the increasing number of “ strays ” and of be-fouled streets and footpaths have much reason and first-hand evidence to support their contention. However, it must not be thought the civic authorities are, apathetic in the matter of instituting remedial measures. The stray dog pest is being gradually but effectively dealt with. Almost every day such animals, which are unfortunate in that no owners of them can be traced, are being taken to a painless death in the lethal chamber at the gasworks. No fewer than five were thus disposed of this morning, and the roll is mounting steadily. Naturally every care is taken to see that the members of this unhappy legion of the doomed are really strays, and in the majority of cases it is certain that the last sleep is preferable to a living death among the garbage tins or through downright starvatwn. That is to say, there is no suggestion of cruelty in the ultimate disposal. STATE OF FOOTPATHS. But, as has been already pointed out, canine problems may also be presented through dogs that have owners.. The state of somS city and suburban footpaths testifies to this. Owing to the fact that the mam and therefore busy thoroughfares have daily attention either from street sweepers or shopkeepers, the menace of exposed filth is, in their case, not so well defined. In the suburbs the problem is perhaps more acute. Matter deposited on the footpaths is allowed to lie about until it slowly disappears either through the attention of vermin or through its being blown about when dry. A doctor whom an Evening Star reporter interviewed this morning agreed that such conditions were not in the interests of the community health. Apparently it is difficult to find a remedy for this particular trouble. City Corporation employees responsible for the cleanliness of certain areas may not be in a position to visit some or the streets more often than every week or so. Actually there may be nothing else that warrants their presence more frequently. It seems, therefore, that on the shoulders of dog owners rests some responsibility in the matter of encouraging canine cleanliness by strict methods of training. BEACH PESTS. Last summer at St. Clair the presence of unattended dogs on the beach was a constant source of irritation to those who had a thought for the welfare of children, and it is to be hoped that this year there will not be a repetition of such carelessness. An inquiry at the Health Department elicited the information that the deparment was concerned chiefly with the protection of foodstuffs, not only from dogs, but also from dust, flies, and tho like. It was considered that the shopkeepers were now well versed in the principles of hygiene; The officer agreed, however, that there was a danger of contracting hydatids from, dry street deposits that were scattered about by the wind. . At the Town Hall it was ascertained that there is in existence a by-law which prohibits dogs from being, in the main streets unless under continuous control by a leading strap or chain. The by-law appears to apply chiefly to such streets as Princes street, George street, King Edward street, and certain streets which run immediately off them in the busier areas. Quiet suburban streets are not mentioned.