Guide dogs.

[tortolano]

Is the person with the dog excused from picking up mess? and does this apply to handlers of other types of working dogs

[Janetex]

Guide dogs are trained to "go" on command and users are very responsible with their dogs and doings, although I'm sure that they would be excused in certain circumstances. I wonder why you ask?

[tortolano]

It's not a dig at blind people Janetex if that is what you were 'wondering' . The police in my area often patrol the promenade on horseback in summer and never clear up behind themselves. The answer I got from the local superintendent when I complained that to dismount each time would be impractical and, therefore are excused. (yes I know all about the difference between the one and the other) but nevertheless it's a filthy mess. I loved walking my dog for miles, but since I can no longer bend down far enough to clean up after my dog, it's a pleasure I have to forego these days. Dogs being dogs however, no matter how well trained will do what they need to I'm afraid.

[tortolano]

It was because I can appreciate JUST how difficult it would be for someone without sight, that I asked.

[sft42]

I would have thought that was whydogs made the stuff so damn smelly.

[Janetex]

Oh, no, I didn't think that at all. Just wondered why you were wondering. :)

[Jaybee]

As Janetex says, Guide dogs are trained to 'go' on command, and they will only 'go' at other times if they are unwell. Horses are an entirely different matter - there is little or no health risk (not that there's a lot of health risk from dogs') to humans from horse faeces. It would be ridiculous to expect riders to carry shovels and shopping bags for horse-poo!!! As for you not walking your dog, there are long-handled poop-scoops specially for people who can't bend, so there's no excuse not to walk your dog! :)

[tortolano]

Well I am very much in support for severe penalties for persistant dog foulers, especially on footpaths and pavements. When riders use these footpaths, theirs is capable of depositing more in one plop than my poor little beast could produce in a week. It's a mess that someone has to clean up eventually, and that someone should be the rider, or stick to fields.

[dustybin]

Tortolano - you're a bit touchy aren't you?

[silly moo]

I don't mind horse manure on tracks in the countryside - but I DO object to it all over the pavement and road outside my house.
I live in a medium sized village in the countryside and think that some of these riders could and should not ride along residential streets when we are surrounded by so much accessible open space.

I am a responsible dog owner who picks up after her dog , which is just as well as dog poo never seems to deompse fully and disappear - it just goes mouldy and sits there for months.