Dog poop in the streets or the park - according to polls and other research it's the number one public annoyance in the Netherlands. On Thursday the dog lobby is organising a symposium on the measures the government is taking to prevent nuisance caused by the two million dogs that live in the Netherlands.

When it comes to dogs, the Dutch seem to be divided into two camps: either you are a passionate dog lover, or you absolutely hate everything that runs around on four legs and yaps – and of course their owners. Plus the little presents they (the dogs, not the owners) leave behind for the sole purpose of you putting your foot in them by mistake.

Laws forcing dog owners to clear up after their dogs and keep them on a leash, compulsory plastic bags to remove the dog’s business and high fines for those who choose to ignore the rules – those are some of the measures that have been introduced in the past two decades.

But these measures have aggravated many dog owners who argue that it amounts to a violation of the principle of equality before the law, and stigmatisation. They've set up various interest groups and are now organising a symposium.

Anti-dog-poop policies
One of the speakers at the symposium is Iaira Boissevain. She is a lawyer and an advisor on what she refers to as “practical animal rights”. She's also chair of an interest group for dog owners:

“Anti-dog-poop policies in the Netherlands have existed for around 20 years. The first dog policy dates from 1992. But still dog poop is said to be the number one annoyance. So you could ask: is this correct? And if so, why is this still the case after 20 years of policy? Either the policy is wrong or the research into the greatest annoyances or both.”

Ms Boissevain doesn’t believe dog mess can be the number one annoyance. But if the problem is really that big, she questions whether measures such as fines and dog taxes can actually change the behaviour of the dog owners:

“Every psychologist will tell you that punishment only has a limited effect on people’s behaviour, especially if you’re aiming at long-term change. Dog taxes certainly play a role in this. Paying taxes is counterproductive to behavioural change.”

It’s easy for dog owners to think that, as they are paying dog taxes, they are not the ones responsible for cleaning up but the council. They also feel discriminated against: other users of public spaces don’t have to pay special taxes.

Public health
Amsterdam dog-lover Lidia van Oostveen disagrees with the current policy of fining people.

“People should be taught to clear up their dog’s mess in a positive manner. However many laws you make, if people don’t accept that it’s necessary to clean up after their dogs, they won’t do it.” 

Ms Van Oostveen thinks more attention should be paid to the positive role dogs play in Dutch society. Dog owners keep an eye on the neighbourhood when they walk their pets late in the evening. And many people feel less lonely thanks to their canine friends.

“And they walk their dogs a couple of times a day. That's good for public health.”

(hs/as/imm)