We love dogs; it’s their owners we often take offense with. Living in a ground floor loft with a private entrance in New York City has its challenges. People allow their pets to use our front door as a urinal, and it is not uncommon to find a little “gift” sitting on our threshold as we step outside in the morning. It is amazing to think that pet owners are so oblivious that they allow their dogs to do their business on people’s personal property, and not even bother to clean it up. I seriously considered retaliating with dirty diapers when my daughter was a baby, but two wrongs don’t make a right, do they?
The people of Madrid feel our pain! They launched a huge campaign to remind owners to pick up after their pets. When they saw only temporary success from their mobile poop trolling the streets, (yes, motorized plastic dog poop with signs reminding people to clean up after their dogs) they took the scheme to the next level.
Agents were hired to follow citizens and identify the offenders. The poop was then scooped, and boxed. The agents then approached the dog owners, and engaged them in conversation, finding out the dog’s name and breed. The information was entered into the town’s registered animal database, which revealed the name and address of the owner.
The poop was then mailed back to them bearing the return address of the town’s “Lost and Found Department,” with a note letting them know that next time there would be a find. Incidences of dog fouling decreased 70% in the region since the program began.
We might just have to try this one sometime!
photo: glasshouse images
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