Reader's Letter: Taking responsibility for dog shit

The headline is ours, and we did it to get your attention. Why is it that as soon as there is snow on the ground, some dog owners think they don't have to pick up after their pets? Hanspeter Grundisch of Gstaad has some thoughts on the matter...

I enjoy my voluntary role as cross-country piste controller. Just like my colleagues I not only control the day-passes, but also the cleanliness surrounding the cross-country ski run. This inevitably involves us removing dog excrement with those convenient red or brown backs. So now my open letter to dog owners:

Dear (few) responsible dog owners: thanks for your mature behaviour towards addressing the dog faeces problem. Cleaning up your dog's excrement deserves our respect. Unlike those (many) irresponsible dog owners: it is time for a stark of improvement of your attitude towards your environment. Nothing should be stopping you - everything is clearly regulated, and the infrastructure is available.

The entire responsibility for this problem lies with the owners, and not the animal. It would be a shame if the authorities had to start using available legal instruments to hold culprits accountable. Meanwhile: I will continue to ensure the security and hygiene of slopes and hiking trails throughout Saanenland, and would be grateful if you could do the same.

Local laws on littering:
Since June 2004 new trash laws have been in force. The new regulations feature a catalog of fines for littering. Under these rules, if dog faeces are not picked up, the owner can be fined SFr 80. Just pick up after your animal...