Irresponsible dog owners give others a bad name

Americans own an estimated 60 million dogs, according to the industry that serves veterinarians. Most of the dog owners in the U.S. are responsible. They probably treat their dogs better than many governments–possibly even our own–treat their people.

People who love their dogs make sure that Rover is licensed, that he gets his shots and that he visits a vet on a routine basis. They also feed and water their dogs every day, share plenty of affection, and get their dog a haircut and shampoo every once in a while. And they’d never leave a dog unattended in a vehicle during summer or drive around with a dog that wasn’t tethered in the bed of a pickup.

The really conscientious dog owner will even make sure that Rover gets a proper dose of exercise, usually by taking the dog for a daily walk or hike.

It’s those people who are also the worst dog owners.

Far too many are totally irresponsible when it comes to cleaning up after Rover. Why does a normally reasonable person think it’s okay for his dog to take a crap on somebody else’s property and then just walk away? Doggie dung isn’t something to be left behind.

If there’s a worse form of littering, we’re not aware of it. Owners who leave dog feces in public parks or in greenbelts are just as destructive as gangs who paint the world with graffiti.

Moreover, it’s against the law to let your dog take a dump and just leave it.

Some residents are monitoring such activity, collecting the byproducts and eventually depositing them in the yard of the perpetrator. It seems like a reasonable way to solve the problem.

And thank you, Agoura Hills, for preparing to place two more "Mutt Mitt" dispensers and make it easier for conscientious dog lovers to protect the environment.

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