Anger and sadness about the disappearance of a dog field in Waalwijk. Less nuisance from dog poop: for that purpose the municipality created a running field three years ago. Now that the poop nuisance remains, the field at the Willaertpark will be removed again. More than 300 people signed a petition to prevent this. “I am very angry,” sighs 57-year-old Angela Voogd.
“They put capital in that field!” Angela continues. “Suddenly it has to go,” she says, still surprised. “Everyone chats with each other here. This is good for the neighborhood,” she says, pointing to owners who are chatting with each other.
Wiktoria even bought her house because of the dog park. She lives right next to it. “I love it! This is great for the dog,” she says, over loud barking. “It’s a really social place. I was the first to sign the petition,” she says proudly.
Rotten apples
“This is a shame! It is simply destruction of capital,” says Wim van Vliet (77). “I don’t quite understand.” According to him, the fact that the test was not successful is no reason to remove it. “The dogs can play here. Almost everyone cleans up poop, but there are always bad apples among them.”
Dog toilet
A letter with an explanation from the municipality hangs near the field. The trial started in 2022. A new playing field was intended to ensure less poop nuisance in the rest of the neighborhood. The dog toilets were removed: these are special places where dogs are allowed to defecate, without the obligation to clean up.
“The trial has not reduced the nuisance caused by dog feces,” the letter states. “The dog walking field will be dismantled. The dog toilets will be returned. The poop bag machine will be removed,” is the hard conclusion.
‘More poop on the street’
The petition is not to be missed. There is text and explanation on various trees. You can also sign at the field itself. Raymonda Boelaars also signed on the spot. “I think they want more dog poop on the street at the municipality! Here people just clean it up.”
“It sucks! The municipality should also think about dogs,” says Raymonda. Angela makes a clear appeal: “Don’t touch it!”
