I am sure the number isn't anywhere near that big.

_________________
Learn more about the Lamma Animal Welfare Centre

So, how big is the reward now? I've not seen one pledge form in any of the bars/restaurants that I've been into, and have not met anyone that has pledged any money so far.
Any new info0rmation of the culprit now that you've allegedly raised 38k?

PS - what cruel sod would keep a Great Dane in a Lamma flat?

While I think all would agree that laying poison is wrong, let's look at some behavours/actions/inactions that perhaps lead people to take such drastic action. I'll just list a few randomly and see if anything sounds familiar.

1. 'my dog doesn't shit on the path, it goes in the grass so that's okay.'
2. 'well my dog's barking never bothers me, you must be oversensitive.'
3. 'don't worry, he only barks.' Called out as dog rushes towards runner, walker cyclist.
4.'hey man clean up your dog shit.' 'Fuck you'
5. Complete and utter lack of enforcement by police leads to people feeling they have no option but to take care of problem themself. (ask the lamma police how many fines have been handed out for fouling of paths.)
6. 'Gee you must be wrong, my dog never barks when I'm at home,'
7. 'you should be glad my dog barks at night it scares off burglars.'
8 'hey man this is the country, i can let my dog do whatever. don't like it move to the city you asshole.'
9. 'yea some people's dogs shouldn't be allowed to roam, but mine are just sooo good,'
10. 'well i usually clean it up, but I forgot a bag today.'
11. 'why should i clean up, no one else does. it's the cleaner's job.'
12. i've lived here since 1903. Back then we all wore an onion on our belt cause that was the style of the time, and never worried about our dogs shitting. I'll be damned if I'm changin' now.
13. 'but like, you know my dog needs to be free man. I am at work 12 hours a day and it would be wrong to lock him up.'

Now then, as for dumping dogs on Lamma, if it's really happening alot then set up a system that tracks dogs coming on/off. ie collect details of person bringing dog onto island. they then check out their dog when they leave. I'm sure dog owners would pony up some cash for a scheme to help prevent animals being dumped. Or put a 1,000 deposit on each dog brought over. something along those lines.

Again let me point out that none of the above justifies poisoning, but until the attitude of a VAST MAJORITY of dog owners changes for real and for the better, there are going to be clashes between owners and non- owners.

mull it over then flame away.

_________________
beware of false prophets who speak the truth

You know, number 8 is pretty convincing. It is the fucking country out here. If you move away from the city expect to find animals.

Pakcockien,
These made-up quotes are pretty good and give a great summary of the range of attitudes of many dog owners (a minority of owners, I believe, but a very bothersome minority).

But it all just confirms that it's the owners, not the pets, who are at fault. Irresponsible ownership, lack of training and incorrect treatment are to blame. The dogs just behave naturally, following their nature and instincts, applying human values doesn't really make sense. Train them!

Hey, humans would behave very very uncivilised and shit everywhere, if we wouldn't have been potty-trained for years, socialised, schooled and taught how to behave for half of our lives.

Maybe we need more training for dog owners? Becoming a responsible dog owner is a daunting & difficult task for new owners and a lot of stuff needs to be learnt. Another task for LAP?<HR>
OK, back to flaming Pakcockien!
Sorry that I didn't contribute to the flaming, even though flamed cock sounds delicious, something like roasted chicken...

_________________
Click here for Lamma-zine stories and recent Lamma Spotlights of the Week:
Photo, Video, Person, Wildlife, Bird, Artwork.

flamed cock?

_________________
beware of false prophets who speak the truth

E wrote:

"To answer the questions raised, may I say it again that this is not a problem about how many dogs we have on the island. I can never agree that if one finds that when it is in his/her opinion that there are too many of any one species of animals on the island, it becomes justifiable to kill the animals."

I don't think anybody has tried to claim it's justifiable to kill animals but some of us obviously do think that an increase in the number of dogs on the island would be a problem. I'm sure the farmers do.

I laud your efforts in finding homes for abandoned dogs and I have committed some dosh for the reward for whoever catches the poisoner. But nonetheless I hate having to weave through stinky piles of shit on my way home - this is a real nuisance. Hopefully now it's getting cooler at least it won't reek so much.

And I would hate it if a Great Dane licked my (or my child's) face - why can't dog lovers understand how other people find this disgusting???

_________________
Beware the fury of a patient man