News

Dear Editor,

Re: Dog owners walking their pets in Hawkinge warned - clear up or face ban

As a dog owner myself, I totally agree that owner's not picking up their dog's mess, where ever it is, is totally irresponsible.

However, I do have some issues with the way that this is being reported.

1. Why can't a proper dog exercise area be provided in Hawkinge, I’m aware that there are a number of these in Folkestone? Apart from the empty fields at the back of the cemetery, where can responsible dog owners exercise their pets?

2. You can’t ban everyone, because of the bad behaviour of a few! Should we ban everyone from driving, because there are a number of people who drink and drive?

3. There are many other disrespectful things that are going on in the cemetery. I have often had to dodge motorbikes and quad bikes when walking through the area. The fields are often littered with discarded beer cans and bottles, broken bikes etc.. In the summer people have camped in the field, leaving their rubbish behind and scorched areas from the fires. Fireworks litter the area after Guy Fawkes Night - why aren't these issues tackled in the same way?

To be honest, I can't see the issue with exercising my dogs (off their leads) in the backfield, behind the crematorium – this area is out of sight of the graves. I do agree that I should retain control my dogs and ensure that I pick up their mess. But this should be the case wherever I walk my dogs. Maybe the dog licence should be re-introduced.

A Responsible Dog Owner