Dog mess

Hi Andy

We are renting for the winter in los dolses and its exactly the same up here it's absolutely atrocious and can't believe how bad it is all over here . We don't have a car at present and cycle just now and really see it everywhere and I have a dog back home and would never dream of not picking up her business. We are here for a year and too be honest our plan was to retire over here and we have now decided not too and one of the reasons is because of this. It's a beautiful place which is now expanding a lot but feel like you that this needs to be  highlighted asap and dealt with like it is back home. They say fined if found allowing a dog to foul on street but over period of 4 months we have never saw anyone on the streets with this in mind . So if we can get some feedback on here of where we can complain too my all means I will follow suit and certainly complain etc.

Regards

J king

Hi Andy, I am a dog owner but totally agree with you and sympathise. As it seems to be a problem all along that stretch of coast please read the remarks on the La Zenia forum under Sylvied46.......Can I walk my dog on La Zenia Beach... including my contribution.

I conclude that because the authorities have just banned dogs from all beaches and suitable exercise areas but not enforced the rule of pick up after your dog, the less responsible owners are just walking them round the back streets and letting them foul.

Banning them everywhere is not the solution, the ones that don't care will just take them somewhere else. I found it disgusting and it doesn't do us responsible dog owners any favours.

It is evident that there are as many Spanish dog owners now as expats and visitors and the authorities have got to acknowledge this problem.

I noticed it is creating a divide in the community, and the responsible dog owners are being maligned and fighting a losing battle. I do hope that a fair and democratic solution can be found.

It's the same problem everywhere, also in La Marina. I've caught 4 people in the last 6 months, letting their dog shit on the pavement right in front of our gate. Sad to say, 3 of them were British. 

We have the same problem in El Paraiso Urbanization near torrevieja. We have complained several times at the Community meetings, but to no avail it still happens. The  Spring/Summer months are particularly bad here, probably people bringing their dogs on holiday with them.

We had a very bad problem with dog mess near our home in Scotland and the residents Assoc contacted the Council and they put up a couple of doggie waste bins on lamp posts in areas prone to dog walkers. Signs were put up informing them of fines if caught not lifting  Some of the local shops and Council Offices gave out doggie bags for free.This did resolve the problem somewhat but there was the occasional idiot who lifted their dogs mess but then threw the bag on the floor. 

Perhaps we should be doing this in our communities in Spain.

regards

I'm pleased to see so many people responding to this and wanting to address the problem, but please don't just make life impossible for responsible dog owners. As I stressed before just banning them from ALL beaches and park areas is not the solution, that just SEEMS the easiest solution for the authorities. During some months you cant take the dog into the campo because of the caterpillars, they are lethal and were very evident last winter.

The authorities  have to acknowledge that there are many dogs that need areas to run and exercise, just enforce the law that owners must pick up and bin their dog waste or they will be prosecuted or fined on the spot. That's what happens here in Dorset, no one dares to leave their dog waste in a public area. The local council provides bins and free 100% degradeable bags because all the bagged waste was creating more landfill. 

We  can still run our dogs on the beaches in off season and in most parks and recreation areas, there are cordoned off areas for the children to play and designated areas where the dogs can run.

In the countryside we are not required to bag waste just keep it off the beaten track because nature deals with it and some stupid people were throwing the bags into the bushes because obviously there were no bins.

I have been spending winters in Spain for many years having had a business there and have many friends there including Spanish. I love their culture, language, food and expecially their music and viibrancy and had hoped to retire there but like the other person said earlier, this situation is putting me off.

Hi all,

I am so glad that i am not the only one angry and disappointed in regards to the situation and note that it is a widespread problem.

I agree with SherryB that most dog owners are responsible people and should not be punished for the actions of a few idiots, but it must stop otherwise the area will fall lower and lower.

I am at a disadvantage as to what to do next or to whom to contact as i am not a full time resident and do not know the systems.

Perhaps a full time resident could offer some advise or even help to contact the right authorities.

I look forward to receiving your comments

KR

Andy

I agree wholeheartedly with all the above comments.  I live in Cabo Roig and, despite warning signs about penalties, no-one seems to take any notice.  Who is to blame - well the expats probably blame the Spanish and vice versa so a crackdown on dog fouling by any person whatever nationality would be welcomed.  It is unfortunate that the thoughtlessness of those responsible make life difficult for those who are mindful of the need to be community friendly.   I would like to add that noise from barking dogs is also a great nuisance, which seems to be ignored - anyone else have that problem?  My urbanisation is blessed with a few owners who allow constant barking, both residents and those who choose to bring their dogs on holiday.  Not the dogs' fault as a new environment can affect their security.  However, a little consideration for others would be welcome!!!  Maybe we can get this ball rolling and ramp up acknowledgement of these issues??

Sounds like dog mess quite a problem over there, such a shame. People seem to be getting the message on picking up after there dog here in uk, though not everyone.

We have just purchased an apartment in La Zenia and I will be coming over with my little dog Paco. I always pick up after him.

People do not even pick up their mess in the Dog Parks although there are bags and bins provided.