Dubai
Elizabeth McGhee, a Dubai resident, has made it her mission to raise awareness and educate pet owners to clean up after their pets when taking them for a walk, especially in residential communities.
She told Gulf News: “I am a dog owner and live in Jumeirah Park, in Dubai. I walk or run in our area with my dogs daily, and am deeply saddened by the amount of dog waste that is left behind on the streets and pavements in our beautiful community. Being a responsible dog owner, I always scoop the waste and take it home to discard in the trash. I carry a number of bags with me in case my dog should need more than one. I, therefore, cannot comprehend why anyone would allow their pet to relieve itself and then just leave the waste there. If the owner does not clear it up, then who do they think will?”
McGhee is concerned that people expect the municipality workers to clean the streets and are thus not making an effort.
She said: “Why should the workers have to clean the streets and scoop the dog waste, too? It isn’t fair and most definitely not right.”
While out on her walks, with her three dogs, McGhee says she has come very close to stepping on waste left behind by another individual’s pet.
She said: “Dog faeces is pretty disgusting to see and accidentally step in. It’s a haven for flies and insects and contains many parasites that cause diseases and infection. Jumeirah Park is a residential community with families enjoying walks together and children playing on the pavements. And because we don’t know how to, or just don’t want to, clean up after our pets it’ll affect so many people. For the sake of the many children who play in our area and families who walk, run or cycle with them, it’s imperative to clean up after our pets. It’s simple, if you own or walk a dog, it’s your responsibility to clear up after it. Scooping dog waste is quick and easy. We live in a lovely area and unfortunately the minority chooses to be inconsiderate to their neighbours and surroundings.”
In an attempt to raise awareness and alter mindsets, McGhee has set up a Facebook page called, ‘Jumeirah Park Poop Pick Up’.
She said: “Since setting up the page, I have been talking to fellow dog walkers in the area who also share my opinion. Some have liked the page and have also highlighted the lack of dog waste bins in our community. Others have suggested a deterrent is needed, such as hefty fines. Being the ultimate optimist, I hope that dog waste bins will be placed in our neighbourhood and that the Facebook page will go some way to getting the message across of always scooping dog poop, regardless of whether anyone is watching or not.”
An issue that McGhee points out is that many of the dog walkers in her community are not the actual owners, but instead the domestic help hired by them.
She said: “It is important that everyone in a family household is educated about picking up the waste. Additionally, one look around and we see a mix of nationalities and cultures and the differences we each have in expected standards. For example, we only have to mention the word ‘rubbish’ and we all know the issues about that being left all over the place. But, some people still think it’s alright to throw it out of a window of a moving car, whilst others most definitely make an effort to take rubbish home and dispose it properly.
“There are so many issues that need major educational campaigns, which need to be held over a lengthy period of time with lots of following up to make any lasting changes. I fear that cleaning after your pet is probably an issue that isn’t given much priority. However, I think even small issues matter and ignorance is not an excuse. Teach a small good habit and bigger lasting habits follow.
“The UAE is quite amazing; the developments, the opportunities, the prospects for us all to make a good living for our futures. But, advancement for the good takes time and we are on that long journey.”
