I'm sure I remember reading on this website, a while ago, that although the signs on the gates to the Square say "No Dogs" it was an unspoken agreement that the residents of the square could take their dogs in, as long as they were cleaning up after them.
As a dog owner and knowing most the other dog owners in the square, I would say that we use the square on a much more regular basis then the non dog owning residents. Along with this we look after the square more then most the non dog owners; we clean up after our selves and our dogs and often other people, who have left the remains of picnics etc littering the square.
Not only that, when we take our dogs out into the square it helps to keep crime down.
For example, I personally stopped a group of young guys steeling some bikes from the square one night. If I hadn't been out with my dog, they most likely would not have been noticed by anyone.
Us being there simply means there is some visible activity in the square throughout the year regardless of the weather.
It really annoys me that residents who only make use of the square on the rare days of sunshine can kick up a fuss and make life difficult for the residents who really value the square every day.
When I read the article, mentioned before, I'm sure it pointed out if the signs were changed it would mean that people from all the neighbouring squares would bring their dogs to ours, which would be too much, but I want to know if there is something we can do to make sense of this situation.
Any ideas would be much appreciated.
Comments
Consolidated rules were drawn up and came into being on January 2009;
http://www.brighton-hove.gov.uk/index.cfm?request=c1195746
"Dogs are also excluded from the following squares and public gardens:
Brunswick Square, Norfolk Square, Russell Square, *Bedford Square*, Clarence Square, Powis Square, Pelham Square, Regency Square (North End), New Steine Square, Steine Memorial Gardens, Kipling Gardens in Rottingdean, the Rockery Gardens, William Sutton Park, Saunders Park excluding the fenced dog area to the south west corner of the park."
I appreciate that a dog just needs a wee every so often and that it can be difficult maintaining the dogs needs with the needs of the owner, which is why I choose not be a dog owner - but just because you so happen to live in a square doesn't justify using it to allow your dog to relive itself, regardless of how often other non dog owning residents 'use' it. I have actually had to clear the space I've been using on more than one occasion of dried excrement - which isn't very pleasant I can assure you.
That said, I don't believe bedford Square is large enough for such a compromise.
Other than that, there's a reason theres a no dogs sign, and if that is flaunted then I'm sorry but in my opinion the owner should be fined.
Your point regarding Cats and Seagullls has some validity except for the fact that cats bury their waste and seagulls are wild animals - so one is less of a problem, and the other you cannot leglislate for - but that's besides the point, its not the animal that is at fault - it's the owners responsibilty to be responsible for the actions of their pet.
Only yesterday I witnessed one of the squares residents allowing their dog to poo on the lawns of the gardens - and guess what...? They refused to clear it up even after being challenged... she was ignorant to the fact and left it - now would you agree that that is anti-social?
I'm not miserable or a whiner - I'm socially responsible and considerate and would expect others to be the same. I'm sure if you rolled in a load of dog poo you'd be quite upset?
http://bedfordsquarebrighton.info/component/k2/item/91-bbq-time.html
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