Dog walkers 'show no sign of respect'
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FURIOUS parents have hit out at irresponsible dog owners who they say are making city parks a nightmare for their children.
Online claims of owners not picking up after their pets in Inshes Park, Whin Park and Bellfield Park have even led to suggestions that dogs should be banned from parks altogether, as some parents also said their children are intimidated by the animals while playing in enclosed play areas.
The debate on the Inverness Neighbourhood Watch Facebook page was sparked by Shelley Gill of Kessock Road who said too many dog owners were simply ignoring signs prohibiting animals from specific areas.
"It says upon entry to Whin Park, on a big sign, no dogs allowed," she said.
"People should respect that and have one park where dogs are forbidden for the sake of children and families afraid of dogs."
Among those who offered her support was mother Claire Turner who said: "I hate seeing dogs off their leads in the park. I don’t feel it’s safe with kids running around and squealing, plus a lot of kids are scared of dogs."
And Karena Maclennan, herself a dog owner, added: "Bit of a nuisance but nice for the kids to have a dog-free place to play, especially when there’s so many irresponsible dog owners not picking up and giving the rest of us a bad name."
Other respondents, however, argued that parks should be maintained for shared use and responsible owners should not be penalised because of the actions of a few.
Vicki Macdonald said: "I’m a dog owner and have taken my small, well-behaved dog into Whin Park when accompanying family with kids.
"She’s always on a lead, kept away from kids unless they approach us and ask if it’s ok to pet her, and I would never dream of not picking up.
"Please don’t tar all dog owners with the same brush."
And Giles Gilham asked: "Why should children have sole rights to a park paid for by the council?
"I agree when there are playground apparatus that dogs should be under control, but not muzzled unless a dangerous breed. It’s a field. Surely we can all share?"
Highland Council is responsible for the upkeep of most Inverness parks, but Whin Park is cared for by arms-length body High Life Highland (HLH).
A spokesman for HLH said: "Signs are clearly displayed around Whin Park indicating that no dogs are allowed in this area.
"These measures are in place to ensure the park remains an enjoyable place for families and visitors to access the facilities which include the Ness Islands railway, the boating pond as well as the other children’s play equipment."
However, a council spokeswoman revealed that the "no dog" rule apparently has no legal weight behind it.
"There is no legally enforceable law regarding having dogs in parks apart from lifting its mess and keeping it under control unless there is a specific bylaw for that area," she said.
There are currently no access restrictions at all for a number of parks, she said, including Inshes Park.
Inverness West councillor Alex Graham, whose ward includes Whin Park, does not think a bylaw banning dogs outright is necessary, saying the council had to strike a balance between the requirements of different park users.
"Recently there has been building work along the canal and the islands, and the new rugby club is being built so perhaps dog walkers are more restricted right now with where they can walk with their dogs for exercise," he said.
"The most important thing is that dogs are kept on leads in these areas and kept under control, dog owners should be especially careful that they clean up after their pets too.
"I have not had any complaints so far about dogs using this park but if people are concerned they should contact myself or the council to make their feelings known."
