Editor:
Re: Not everywhere is off-leash, March 11 letters.
As an avid dog walker and owner, I am concerned about the proper and responsible use of White Rock’s West Beach and parking lots.
One problem is that many recreational marijuana users use the parking lot (and beach) as areas where they can consume – and discard residual – as they wish.
I could go on; but I will simply comment on the sad state of our society – where we must legislate to defecate and expect someone else to enforce our actions.
The letter to the editor raised the “health and safety issue” of feces on tennis courts; I could raise the same issue of ingested weed, having been witness to the frightening actions of a Wheaton Terrier having consumed – the veterinarian surmised – a tossed butt from White Rock’s West Beach area.
I dare not elaborate, further, upon the issue of persons allergic to the cannabis smoke being overwhelmed by smoke coming from windows of cars “parked” in the lot.
To think that fining people who contravene these bylaws would support the city’s coffers for road repair nears ridiculousness and is indicative of someone desiring to become an irresponsible, robotic member of a police state.
Yes, I am appalled at finding ‘stray feces’, and will always pick it up, realizing reputations for all dogs are being destroyed by one; but isn’t that the case in every other part of society where “the one destroys the peace of the many”?
Alternative solutions: In a coalition/collective of dog owners, I am sure there are enough responsible owners willing to volunteer in policing themselves.
Please, letter-writer Adrian Brown, do not “wonder, too long, as to why so many owners think the bylaw does not apply to them” – thereby, inviting council to ‘beef-up’ bylaw officers.
Shall we not lament upon the ‘nature of man’ and society that necessitates the legislation of life.
The nature of mankind – in comparison to herds, packs or other schools of animals – has become pitifully and pathetically self-centred.
The ideals of self-governance and co-operation may be Utopian; but one can dream, can’t they?
Barbara E. Allen, White Rock