To the editor:

Why is your pet my responsibility? There are so many of us who share the same problem and the problem is your pets. Don’t get me wrong, I love animals. I just choose not to own them. There are many others who also choose not to keep pets for whatever reason may be. There are those of you who are great owners and those who are not.

I’m a homeowner in the city of Marshall and I’m tired of cleaning up after other people’s pets’ dog poop in my yard, cat poop in my gardens. Every spring after the snow melts I have to pick up about 5 pounds of wet dog poop. And don’t forget the smell of wet dog poop from the neighbors who don’t clean up their yard. And the poor people who have to put up with the smell of the dog park and the dog walk next to their home.

Like I said, I’m not the only one to share this problem. There are laws, rules and common courtesies that pet owners are supposed to follow. This is the city, not a farm. You can’t just turn your dogs and cats out to run. And if you can’t follow the laws and rules, you shouldn’t have pets. Because I’m tired of being treated as if I have no rights on this matter.

And to those of you who do take good care of your pets and follow the laws, rules and common courtesies — I say thank you and great job. I love living in Marshall. It’s a great little city. I take pride in trying to keep my little slice of the city looking good.

Dean Christensen

Marshall