My family and I have lived in Qualicum Beach for seven years now. We love the life. The hikes, the beach, walking downtown, the market, the people. I have little to complain about, I am employed, not hungry and very fortunate. But I do have one issue. A rise in “poop.”
Dogs pooping in the ocean 50 feet from where my kids are playing. Really? Dogs pooping on the beach, owners leaving it. But better yet, owners bagging the poop and leaving the bag on a trail, ‘near’ a garbage can or on the beach.
In the Heritage Forest in July, my young daughter stepped in poop left on the trail. Fun to clean out of the treads of runners. She was running ahead of me. Then, just this week another child stepped in some left on the trail that runs along Crescent Road from Beach Terrace to Arbutus. Again, so much fun for her and then me to clean... I love starting a hike with poop on my hands.
Seriously? If people must have dogs, be responsible. Pick up after the animal. It is not OK to send a dog into any grassy area, let them do their business and walk away. Quite suddenly, these dog lovers need two dogs each. Great. Company for the dogs while the owners work and leave them at home. And now two-for-one pooping. More to clean up.
The town has several free bag dispensers and many garbage cans — use them. Notice I am not saying please. It is not my issue until you decided not to perform a simple task you must have known was your responsibility when you got the dog.
We too are allowed to enjoy the outdoors.
Scott Warren
Qualicum Beach