Err, hang on.…angry farmers have insisted that failing to clean up after dogs in rural Britain is just as unacceptable as in a built-up town or city.
They claimed there have been increases in livestock deaths from diseases found in dog faeces and demanded councils provide more ‘poop scoop’ bins in rural areas.
If the problem is dogwalkers on your land, why is it the council’s job to install poop bins? And if it’s council land, what are your animals doing on it?
Bob Carruth, communications director of the National Farmers’ Union (NFU) in Scotland, said: “We want to encourage people to be more responsible.They will..?
“When they are walking around towns or cities they will as a matter or course use a pooper scooper to clear up their dog mess...”
I guess things are different in Scotland then….
The answer then is to mooovve the cows to the impeccably clean city streets, is it not?
ReplyDeleteI imagine this is mainly a Scottish problem - because of this piece of legislation.
ReplyDeleteIf the government wants to treat private land as a public space, they can hardly complain that the owners don't want to bear the costs.
A farm is an agricultural business. Why should farmers be compelled to permit unrestricted access to their business area to anyone + dog?
ReplyDeleteOne of the benefits of property/land ownership is the freedom to enjoy it with whom you want - and not to have to share it with strangers who (by implication) you don't. There may be access conditions imposed on tenants on leased land/property, but in general the principle exists.
Instead of dogturd bins in rural areas, I'd like to see the 'freedom to roam' legislation revoked.
Sorry Mr Farmer if my dog shit despoils the huge pile of cow and horse shit in your fields.
ReplyDeleteThe people poo on the pavement in Scotland.
ReplyDeleteNever thought I'd defend a farmer.
ReplyDeleteFarmers can shoot dogs they believe to be causing a nuisance. Whether or not the owner is present. Simples.
@Ross - herbivore shit is a fertiliser and relatively safe, and it's as a result of the farm activities. Dog shit isn't a fertiliser and passes on worms and other parasites. Also, it's something your dog left behind on someone else's property.
Shotguns and No4 shells at the ready :-))
"The answer then is to mooovve the cows to the impeccably clean city streets, is it not?"
ReplyDeleteIn Fort Worth, they have a cattle drive every day for the tourists. I'm sure we could manage a British version!
"I imagine this is mainly a Scottish problem - because of this piece of legislation."
Ah, intersting! I did wonder why it was the Scottish NFU raising this.
"A farm is an agricultural business. Why should farmers be compelled to permit unrestricted access to their business area to anyone + dog?"
Because, it would seem, Scotland passed the Land Reform Act 2003...
"Farmers can shoot dogs they believe to be causing a nuisance."
Don't they hsve to be off the leash, though?
Heh... I suppose the dog being off the leash would decrease the chances of the owner getting a pellet or two :-)
ReplyDelete