Take responsibility

VISITING my parents’ grave recently at St Mary’s Church, East Preston, I was very upset, but not surprised, to find dog faeces on the grave, and partially on the stone.

By The Newsroom

Published 14th Feb 2011, 08:01 BST

I then had the unenviable task of clearing away the mess.

I say I am not surprised because on at least two previous occasions I have witnessed dog owners allowing their animals to freely roam between the graves before heading into Langmead’s Field.

On one occasion, as a large dog almost as big as myself bounded towards me, the owner called out “reassuringly” from a distance – “Don’t worry, he won’t hurt you”!

Surely people shouldn’t need to be reminded or requested to keep their dogs on a lead and to show a little respect in such a place as a churchyard, or at least have the decency to clear up behind them.

Unfortunately, they are probably the same group of irresponsible owners who turn a blind eye when their dogs foul footpaths, alleyways and grass verges, or who pick it up and then deposit the bags behind the nearest post or hedge.

Julie Wilson

West Way, Littlehampton

St Mary's Church East Preston