EDITOR,

Have you ever taken your children out to play at the park and suddenly noticed a foul odor coming from their shoes

This happens because pet owners don’t think they have to clean up after their pets in a public park — or on a sidewalk, for that matter. Pet owners say they love their pets and think they’re cute, but not curbing their dog on public or private property and not cleaning it up is not cute — it’s disgusting. It’s frustrating to take my dog for walks and watch other pet owners fail to curb their pets, and they don’t even take the responsibility to carry a baggie. This is disrespectful to others who use the public parks and sidewalks, not to mention extremely unsanitary. Please, dog owners, be responsible and pick up after your pets.

I’ve also noticed that someone leaves Styrofoam bowls with food for stray cats (and any other creature that prowls at night) at Ceciliani Park. This is not only unsightly and ecologically damaging, but it isn’t doing these stray cats any favors. Why not give them a good home or take them to the animal shelter so they can get their shots and be adopted by someone who will truly care for them

I’m sure the people leaving the food believe they are being kind to the stray cats, but they are not. And they are probably unknowingly feeding rats, mice and raccoons as well. Stray cats are drawn to this area for the food, of course, but drivers don’t always see them. I’ve noticed more than one dead cat on the side of the road.

Please be responsible, pet owners, and give your pets the food and shelter they deserve — and clean up after them.

Roland Roelling, Tracy