It's fascinating to watch people walking their dogs in residential courtyards: the dog is doing its “big” business, and the owner stands there, turned away, with an expression that says, “What? It wasn't me. It was the dog.” But the dog belongs to the person, which means the person has a direct connection to it.
The consequences of walking dogs in yards are felt at any time of year. Summer brings the potential risk of stumbling upon a mine hidden in the grass or lying openly on the sidewalk. Spring brings melting snow, autumn brings precipitation—the scene is easy to imagine. Winter brings a magnificent snow-white landscape, punctuated by bright accents here and there.
This problem is especially familiar to residents of small towns, where a small yard is shared by children, adults, dogs, and parked cars. A designated area for walking pets is rare. Therefore, dog owners walk their pets in close proximity to children's playgrounds or recreation areas. More responsible citizens look for a place further away; the lazier ones don't bother. What could be the result? It's easy to guess.
While it's still possible to control a dog on a leash and choose the most suitable area, human companions let loose to play don't put much thought into choosing a spot to relieve themselves. Therefore, sandboxes, active play areas, and sometimes even sidewalks, park paths, etc., are often unsuitable for play.
An animal relieves itself—it's a natural need. Wherever its owner leads it, that's where it goes. But an equally natural responsibility of a dog owner is to “clean up the area” afterward. But why isn't this responsibility fulfilled? If a person sees nothing unnatural in it, why not join their four-legged friend? For company. But no: dogs are allowed, but humans aren't. And if a pet has done its business in the house, does the owner just as stubbornly ignore the consequences? Or will they actually take steps to correct it?
I don't think I need to explain how to solve the waste disposal problem. Every apartment has a plastic (or paper) bag, and every yard has at least one or two trash containers. The dog did it, the owner cleaned it up. There's the solution. But for some reason, people don't see the problem and prefer to pretend nothing untoward is happening.
I'm sure there are plenty of people in Russia who take this issue seriously and think not only about themselves but also about others. But some don't, believing that nothing will change if they start cleaning up after their dog: after all, others leave everything as is. And for others, such thoughts have never even occurred to them, and, unfortunately, never will.
Humanity strives to take advantage of all the benefits of civilization: computers, cars, smart home appliances, and other achievements of scientific progress. It also engages in self-improvement, reads intelligent books, and reflects on the eternal. Humans consider themselves rational beings, but for some reason, in some simple matters, they remain at the level of their four-legged friends.
