Pet owners should be more responsible

As dog owners, my husband and I read the previous letters regarding Ballito as a non-friendly place for pets with interest.
It occurs to us that perhaps Ballito would become more pet-friendly if dog owners took full responsibility for the care and management of their animals. Sidewalks, the boardwalk, beaches and the like are all areas of public domain and should be respected as such.
That means as dog owners we all have a responsibility (legal and otherwise) to:
• Keep our dogs on a lead at all times (regardless of its size, breed or temperament).
• Pick up after our dogs during walks. Either carry used plastic bags or purchase a bag-dispenser which clips to your dog’s lead from your local vet or pet supply store.
• Keep our dogs safely secured in their yard so that they are not free to run after cars or pedestrians.
If we all become more responsible and courteous pet owners, our fellow residents just may become more open to building a pet-friendly community with us.
CHERYL AND IAN HERDA
Ballito