South Delta we have a problem.
It’s not a new problem and it probably will always be a problem, but nevertheless, we have a problem that needs to be addressed.
The problem I’m making reference to is a dog poop problem whereby dog owners don’t give a crap and let their dogs roam free, off-leash in our parks and school fields and when their dog has to go, instead of doing the responsible thing as a dog owner and pick up after their dog, decide to turn a blind eye and let the dog waste sit in the field.
Recently, the Grade 3 class from South Park Elementary had enough of the “poop problem” on their grass field and wrote to Delta council.
The students, led by teacher Yvette Kruckenberg, asked council to help get poop bag dispensers near the entrances to their school yard. The students have no problems sharing the field with the community and their four-legged friends, but are tired of going out to play and running through dog crap and then tracking it back into their school and classroom.
The students also pointed out that signs were made up in the past to remind people of their transgressions, but those signs and reminders evidently have not worked.
Within the letters, the students provided council with a map of where they thought the dispensers could be placed.
Delta staff, however, nixed the idea telling the students in follow-up correspondence, that the dispensers may just encourage further use by dog owners, but did pledge to work with the Delta School District on more signage and awareness.
I applaud these students for their efforts and for Ms. Kruckenberg to empower her students to take action. I’m a bit disappointed in the Delta staff response and lack of response from Delta council as well. Not one comment from council at the Jan. 10th meeting where this was presented, but in the bigger picture, the real shame and dissapointment is in our community for such despicable behavior.
Pick up after your dog folks. As a dog owner it’s your responsibility.
