Cubbon Park

Our workers are struggling to keep these areas clean. Why should they remove dog poop? It is the responsibility of the dog owners to clean up after their pets. — Dr G Kusuma, Deputy Director (Cubbon Park), Department of Horticulture

tissue papers

poop bags

Horticulture Department

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Bengaluru

Dog poop on the pathways incan prove to be an obstacle that runners and walkers could do well without. While the park is welcoming of pets and humans, dog poop left behind by pet parents walking their dogs can be unsightly and inconvenient for walkers. While some pet parents clean up after their pets have pooped, some choose to treat the outdoors are one large toilet for their pets.Soon, Cubbon Park regulars can expect to see clean, dog poop-free pathways in the Park. The Department of Horticulture is planning to make it mandatory for pet parents to bring bags or scoopers to clean up after their pets when they come to the Park.Says Dr G Kusuma, Deputy Director (Cubbon Park), Department of Horticulture “One can see dog poop on the pathways and footpaths in Cubbon Park. Our workers are struggling to keep these areas clean. Why should they remove dog poop? It is the responsibility of the dog owners to clean up after their pets.”The Deputy Director said that she wanted to create awareness among pet parents who bring their pets to Cubbon Park, on the importance of keeping the park clean.“We are planning to put up boards at different locations in the Cubbon Park to create awareness among pet lovers. After installing such boards, we will take measures to ensure pet dog owners follow the rules to keep the park clean. Visitors who fail to bringor pooper scoopers, will not be allowed to bring their pet dogs into Cubbon Park,’’ the deputy director said.Meanwhile, many visitors, who brought their pet dogs to Cubbon Park on Sunday morning, welcomed the’s plan to keep the pathways free of poop.“I welcome the plan to keep Cubbon Park clean and neat. I never forget to bring a poop bag whenever I’m walking my dog in the Park,’’ said Karan Lalchandani.Most of the pet parents we spoke to were happy with the Horticulture department’s plan to make poop bags mandatory. Said Triveni Rao, “ Why don’t more pet owners bring poop bags? They don’t cost very much. It’s available online from Rs 300 onwards. I think it’s our responsibility as pet owners to leave the streets clean for other pets and pet owners.”Sneha Nandihal, Founder of I Change Indiranagar who brought her pet dog to Cubbon Park on Sunday, welcomed the decision.“I bring my pet dog to Cubbon Park every Sunday. I am okay with the horticulture department’s decision. It is a good decision and all pet dog owners have to follow it,’’ said Sneha Nandihal.Priya Chetty Rajagopal, an animal activist, has also welcomed the decision and wanted it to extend to other areas in the city.Sunita Rocque, a relocation professional says, “ I have to be honest. I don’t carry a bag or a scooper to pick up after my pet. When we visit the dog park in Cubbon park ( a part of the park which is cordoned off for pets and their parents ), it is mandatory for us to pick up the litter and throw it into a bin. But when I take my dog to the park it’s already 11.00 am and my pet has finished her stroll and his job. I would feel encouraged to carry a scooper or a bag to pick up after my pet has pooped, if the surroundings are clean. For example in a gated community, the pathways are always clean. But when I take my dog out for a walk on the streets of, I see garbage and debris and other things dumped on the street. Dog poop then seems less of a violation since it’s biodegradable. But it would be a good idea to make pet parents who visit Cubbon park to carry bags with them to clean up after their pets.”Meanwhile, Apeksha Harsha, who is a pet owner and brings her dog to Cubbon Park, questioned the horticulture department for planning such measures.“There are so many stray dogs in Cubbon Park. When there is no issue with such dogs, why does the horticulture department want pet owners to bring tissue papers and poop bags? Dog poop easily converts into manure. I do not know why the horticulture department is making such a hue and cry about it?” said Apeksha Harsha.Seema Venkatesh, from Wilson Garden, who brings her pet to Cubbon Park said that she does not bring either a tissue paper or a poop bag on her morning strolls. My dog has been trained to poop only at home,’’ said Venkatesh.