Anti Social Behaviour

Dogs and Cats are in the news again.

Recently someone wrote the the ST forum commenting on inconsiderate pet owners who do not leash their dogs in public, and seat their pets on chairs/tables in public places eg seat their pooches on the chairs of eateries.

I am a big supporter of the cause that all pets should be an integral part of the family, and should be allowed to participate in as many activities as reasonably possible. I applaude pet owners who take the effort to bring their pets out to dine (where possible) and bring their pets out to the beach or other social places.

Unlike packing kids into the car, an outing to the beach for dogs involves a massive cleaning up effort after the outing. But it's all worth it :)

What I do not understand are pet owners ( in this case dog owners ) who CARRY the pets all over the place, afraid of getting their pretty paws dirty, and park their pets onto dining chairs of eating establishments. I have seen this happen at a Chinese Muslim (ie certified Halal) eatery.

What is wrong with these people?!

It comes as no surprise that these pet owners incur the wrath of the rest of the community by their selfish acts of ignorance. The non pet-owning community by far generalise us pet owners as a self-centered bunch who leave pet poop all over the place, are inconsiderate of their pet's behaviours and are in general self-serving in their own interests. (ie i sit my dog/cat wherever I like since I am paying, so shove it! )

Dogs are meant to be walked. Some dogs have succeeded in getting their owners to do the job for them. Dog walks owner hahaha.

Dogs are meant to be seated next to the owner in a controlled manner, NOT on the chair. If you are worried dirtying the dog, leave it at home. Dogs are NOT meant to dine at the same table (or chair) as its owner.

Dogs are meant to be controlled. If you cannot control your pooch, leave it at home until it graduates from puppy obedience.

I am a strong proponent that dogs should be integral to an owner's lifestyle. Dogs should not be treated like books on a shelf, browse when needed.

But surely an owner has a responsibility to ensure that the pet behaves properly when in public, and is not a nuisance to the community when brought out of its home. Surely no parent want his/her child to be looked upon with disdain when out in public. What's the difference with pets?

Dog owners, stop letting your dog walk you. Or walk all over you.
Please pick up the poo from your pet, whether there are people looking at you is not relevant.
Do not allow your dog to roam in public without a leash. Be sensitive to communities that have an aversion to dogs / or other pets.
NEVER allow your dog to sit on chairs or tables in public. If you are concerned about dirtying Fido's fur, leave him at home. You know how clean Fido's bottom is, the general public doesn't and won't care to know.

Stop anti-social behaviour that puts a bad name on the rest of the dog-owning community.