New Cliffside walk in Lapta - the Poll

[Soner]

I just wanted to congratulate the Lapta Belediyesi & the EU for the splendid new walk way between Lapta & Sardunya Bay
The workmanship that has gone into this walkway it is excellent
But one point I feel I must make is the fact that there are signs restricting certain activities,one of which is dogs, but I was really amazed and saddened to see the amount of dog owner flaunting this rule, I know that pathway is for all to enjoy, but please bare in mind that there are and will be young children running along this path and I for one would not like my grandchild to be victim of dog faeces
I am sure the majority of dog owners will collect this matter and dispose of it in a responsibly, but for the ones that might not, this could spoil a beautiful walk for others, so please spare a thought for the non dog owners

As per Iacrumpy's suggestion, I thought it a good idea to start a poll to see how many people are for and against the decisions made for the walkway. The original post has been copied from ozonkoyboy's initial thread.

[Rambling Rose]

My I respectfully suggest that this Poll would be more useful if people were asked to register interests - e.g. whether or not they owned dogs and bicycles, and have children living with them full time as this would indicate the likely level and nature of demand. I think it is also very relevant whether they are full time residents or only visit the country (and therefore use the path) part of the year.

[Soner]

RR the poll function is restricted to one question. Anyone can start a poll by clicking on New Topic and scrolling down to add poll section. Feel free to start another poll.

[Marions]

good point soner, and good points RR.
I would be interested in collecting comments to see whether it is worth approaching the Mayor and the municipality (and maybe even Girne mayor) to ask if modificaitons to usage can be made, with of course firm provisos and rules. I just think it is a shame when so many other ocuntries in the world are able to have their facilities as all encompassing, but with strict rules 'dogs on leads' etc, etc.

I certainly think it is worth discussing at a proper level, but only with very firm and sensible viewpointsm please.

Maybe people might choose to pm or e mail me, or maybe RR would like to start a separate thread. In the meantime, I think that soner's poll will give a good starting point of thought.

Thanks.

[Rambling Rose]

Marion: I dont know how to start a poll!!! As for a new thread, I had already decided that he thread in question had already caused me so much distress and time, I will have in future to refrain from reading and participating in such., and possibly this board completely.

However I will email you about the walkway, but basically I think it is too late to do much about the Lapta walkway and concentration should be on the plans for the Girne facility. I also think far from influencing the authorities we wil do the whole expat community a serious disservice if we present ourselves as divided, prejudiced and incapable of conducting even a serious discussion among ourselves in a democratic and civilized way, and I also think this demonstrates that the interests of full time long standing residents who may have irrevocably commited themselves to the country and have its long term interests a heart differ substantially from those who only visit (and thus use facilities) for part of the year , which is why I respectfully suggest a poll which doesnt indicate this has little validity.

[Marions]

sorry if this distressed you, and I know that matters concerning dogs and the rights of all are emotive. But the standzards shown here are not very european! also where there are subject such as these, there is always more than one opinion.

Howeve,r the main point is that the Lapta walkway is far from finished. If I remember correct what is there is only half!

Soenr is doing what is able to do with the poll as far as the internet allows on this site. It is good to gauge opinion in this manner as the rest is discussion, which of course this poll is NOT.

[Rambling Rose]

MM mm late nights on this subject are not hellping my clarity of thought. I missed the point about the walkway not being finished.

I quite appreciate that people are entitled to different views , but the way some express hem is distressing. Seems to be rather endemic to this kind of Board and I do sympathise with mods. Maybe they are not the right place for me, as I am already suffering serious deterioration in the quality of life. Its a pity in a way the OP mentioned dogs and started that hare (if the dogs didnt), as the discussion should really have been about equalit of use.

Yes, Marion, ways here aren EU but if I understand the funding IS

[mercenaryali]

I agree entirely with Soner regarding the poll as to whether or not people agree with the restrictions of both dogs and bicycles
on the new Lapta Walkway.

It is totally irrelevant as to whether or not one owns a dog, a bicycle or has children; either permanently present or occasionally present.

The question is a simple one, as is the answer.

Do a majority of people agree that the banning of dogs and bicycles is right? YES or NO.

It would appear from the votes cast thus far and incidentally support for the ban on the previous long post, that
the majority of people agree it is both appropriate and sensible.

[Zebedee]

I agree entirely with Soner regarding the poll as to whether or not people agree with the restrictions of both dogs and bicycles
on the new Lapta Walkway.

It is totally irrelevant as to whether or not one owns a dog, a bicycle or has children; either permanently present or occasionally present.

The question is a simple one, as is the answer.

Do a majority of people agree that the banning of dogs and bicycles is right? YES or NO.

It would appear from the votes cast thus far and incidentally support for the ban on the previous long post, that
the majority of people agree it is both appropriate and sensible.

Yes and lets hope the Lapta Municipality stick to their guns and keep the walkway safe and clean for the majority.

[Lor51]

Cant believe how many have read this and only 28 till now have cast a vote.

[Marions]

Yes it is sad, or maybe people are just not interested. I had a very interesting conversation about this with two Lapta municipality workers, as I was curious as to why if they were using EU funds they could not apply EU ways (dogs on lead, separate cycle path etc, etc) and they said 'This is cyprus' which followed an explanation that dogs and their owners are not to be trusted! |(well maybe not so many words0 but I then pointed out how in town in the High Street there are the street dogs which go to attack my dog, and I wonder who scoops up their poop! also I c an walk around the harbour. It was then epxlained that they do not have the people to 'police' the walkway, so that means I guess that those who ignore the no dogs sign get away with it.
they did gol on to say that MAYBE when the walkway was finished and there were restaurants andmore people to keep an eye, they might change it.
I pointed out that already there are people who are happy to be vigilantes to see who breaks the law and ignores the sign, and that maybe those very people couldcontinue to act as vigilantes to those who did NOT keep their dogs on leads or use the poop scoop (their own). But who on earth wants to sit there all day and watch for possible offenders.
However, it would be nice if more people voted on this, and also in view of what was said today, whether there are some who would like to see things brought up to European (and other country) standards. I guess much of it is where one has lived before.

and for the record I want to reiterate that it is very doubtful I would go there, but it is a matter of principle that we should join with other nations and not just be 'Cyprus'.,. especially when taking money from the EU.

[Zebedee]

Unless you are a Turkish Cypriot surely you have no right to question their laws. After all most of us are visitors, at least that is what is stamped in MY passport.

[Marions]

I don't think many people would agree with that. it is not a question of their LAWS, but a question of every day living . I would never break the law (well, if I can be careful enough), but this was a decision made not by the legal system, but by a group of people who felt this was the best way forward - partly due to lack of staff and facilities. and I have many citizen friends who feel that the voices of all should be heard - those for whom Cyprus is home.
and don't forget that many of the voices which rise in protest here may be '#yabanci' but they are sensible voices which try to improve life - the rules on animal welfare, property etc, etc.

But of course there would never be an occasion when we all thought the same, that is part of the glorious colours of the rainbow of people and life.

[Rambling Rose]

Sorry to disagree with Soner and Marion, but at least I now THEY will accept my right to do so!

I dont accept this poll is serving any useful purpose except to give a vehicle for the extremists. I note there are technical limitations - at least this explains (sorry slightly OT) why so many internet polls do not serve the intended purpose , May I respectfully point out that ( like many internet polls, it does not represent the views of the population as a whole.

I am so horrified Marion by your suggestion that expats should be used as vigilantes that I nearly went straight out and booked a flight back to England, and all my commitments are here! It gives a licence to bullies, the intolerant and those who only stay here part time, and want to change things for their benefit, to make life even more intolerable for those who have made a commitment to the country.

The comments of your Municipality Workers were crass, but there is act some validity in "This is Cyprus". They should NOT be trying to achieve EU standards (or any other place ) blindly but considering them and deciding if they are worth adapting for Cyprus without changing the essential character of Cyprus and the Cypriots (and I dont qualify "Cypriot " deliberately.)

The comment about lack of supervision is also valid. Making laws is pointless (and can be very unfair) if you cannot enforce them by democratic means. I still want to know who initiated the no dog rule. Lapta Municipality (assume they issued the notices) may only be acting on instructions.

This is EU money we are talking about and I am an EU citizen. As such my opinion we should not be arguing about cyclist or dogs. The money should be prioritised into upgrading the existing infrstructure so that everyone, but particularly the indiginous population and the less able, have reliable acccess to essentials - water, heat and light and not having to face flooding every time it rains heavily. And before building new leisure facilities for the fortunate minority, take note of the poster who pointed out that at least animal excrement is biodegradable and tackle the problem of far more dangerous rubbish that makes large areas of this beautiful and unique country no go areas for many people - and incidentally is a serious impediment to tourism - and I suspect it is to impress tourist whom I suspect this facility is really intended and it wont unless they get their act together on rubbish generally. The press has carried many letters from tourists complaining about rubbish , stray dogs and mistreated dogs. With the exception of dangerous breeds (which is a separate issue) I can recall seeing no complaints about companion dogs under control,

PS Marion - have you checked what the rules are about dogs when making grants ? I have already reported the rules imposed by two respected and very popular UK institutions

[Lilyross]

how do you vote in the poll ?

[Marions]

Lillycross, the voting is at the top of the thread - you say no or yes.

RR you misunderstood me. There was a posting on the other thread whereby a member of Kibkom said they would make it their pleasure to take photographs of any offenders to the no dogs rule to report them. it seemed to me that if they were self appointed vigilante they would surely be prepared to do it in whatever way the rules were to be read.
I guess I may have been a bit tongue in cheek! The thought of someone sitting anywhere, camera in hand, just to take pictures of people offending against a notice or two is not my scene. When I was in Australia, it was suggested that to keep the pigeons at bay we should all sit on our balconies with shot guns! Firstly I wouldnot do it, but secondly I could think of nothing more of a waste of a life than to be a pigeon killer! As Chairman of the Strata Council at the time, we all managed to find a much better way of dealing with the pigeons.

as to the decision I believe it was the municipality, as although there is an EU grant it is also (said) to be financed by Lapta too.

and of course you are entitled to disagree! As I said, that is what life is all about - view points and then finding the best one for community and peaceful and caring living!

[LooseBoots]

Just a thought, and don`t shoot me down in flames as this thread is tending to do, but is not this walkway as much for TOURISTS as it is for locals. Therefore would not tourists prefer a dog free and bike free zone??

Don`t shoot the messenger, simply asking a question. Don`t lets be like other forums and get bitchy,please.

[Marions]

a valid point looseboots. would not dare to shoot anyone. No gun licence.

Seriously, would anyone even ask the tourists? and second question, what would they find in other tourist areas. I know that in Italy, Australia, France and U.K, the only signs I see are 'all dogs on a lead' and poop scoop requests, and even bags and bins specially provided.

But as I say, a v alid question. who could answer it?

[Rambling Rose]

Marion, Loose Boots:

I already said that correspondence columns of papers contain lots of complaints about rubbish, stray dogs and mistreated dogs, but I cant recall any about pets under control. Personally I have met several tourist when I have been walking my dogs - far from complaining they have stopped to admire and pet the dogs and even take photos! and I have had compliments on their behaviour I am not blowing my own trumpet - there are many others who have taken time and troube and expense to take dogs off the street and turn them into well behaved (well usually, we are not professionals) andattractive campanions All I ask is that we be given at least equal rights with other residents (many of whom who have less harmless ways ooccupying themselves and cause us problems) and be spared the constant sniping of those who pick on any excuse to make our lives difficult, as well as a little sympathy and support for those who may be very inexperienced and are suffering as a result of a very kind action in recuring an animal.

[Rambling Rose]

Marion: I did read the post about the camera. That was when my increasing concern about some (repeat some, repeat some) of the new Brits reached proportions to make me consider leaving (or rather being forced out by with own compatriots) a county I have loved and made my own. AS a knowledgeable and educated woman (let alone a journalist) you must be aware of the dangers that arise with the vigilante mindset. You only have to think of the horrible way some ignorant people in the UK attacked paediatricians .

Maybe you didnt mean it that way, but I am sure that I am not the only one who read your post as reporting that you had advised Lapta Municipal workers to use vigilantes.

[Rambling Rose]

Marion said:

"However, it would be nice if more people voted on this, and also in view of what was said today, whether there are some who would like to see things brought up to European (and other country) standards. I guess much of it is where one has lived before"

Marion: My response to this will go ot so Iam starting a new thread "European Standards"

[Whatarotty]

I have 2 dogs and I also walk on the path (without my dogs) so I voted they allow dogs BUT they must be on a lead, where I walk my dogs everyday they are off the lead until I see a person, another dog or sheep ..... Not everyone likes dogs running up to them and I have big dogs who are very, very nosey but can be frightening to others, I respect that for people and my dogs!

I have friends who walked their dogs along the path when it was first opened (dogs were allowed then) another couple were walking their Alsatian off the lead and it attacked my friends Cyprus terrier, the owner just carried on walking and did not help at all it took another couple to come over and assist ...... This is not a great experience for anyone to witness so if dogs are allowed I believe a lead is required for many reasons, how that will be policed is beyond me but that is just my personal opinion.

The walk way is a delight and I can't wait to experience it in the summer evenings! There are so many bins provided I only hope people use them and if dogs are allowed maybe a bin either end for the doggy doo to be placed, I use the scented nappy bags from the pound shops for my woofers it's no hardship keeping the roads and paths clean.......

[Jonnie]

Whatarotty, there was a semi-stray Alsatian that wandered up and down there that used to follow some and have a bit of a go at dogs could it be one of the same?

As an expat have no problems in discussing rules, even laws of another country as long as it is constructive, by saying Lapta municipality should stick to their guns is also joining that discussion.

[Marions]

Whatarotty, I agree entirely. I think everyone who considers that dogs should be allowed, would agree that it is VITAL that there are signs that 'all dogs must be on a lead' and 'please poop scoop' and even 'offenders will be prosecuted. It goes without saying that dogs MUST be under control in public places. I have said before it terrifies me going down Girne High Street with my dog on a lead to have four street dogs rushing up. It absolutley terrifies me and I cry 'Git' at the top of my voice (which is kinda loud) and they do run off, but I pick my dog up as a precaution (and he is a bit too heavy for me!). My own personal feeling is that privileges carry repsonsibility and if dog owners are allowed to take their dogs then they must act responsibly. couldn't agree more myself. But the problem as I was sayng to the two guys from Lapta (I was actually really discussing the Lapta Festival!) the problem is the strays that can be frightrening even if rthey rush up to be friendly, and the bigger the dog the more people are automatically afraid. and of course, repsonsible owners would ALWAYS keep to the rules.

But thanks for the sensible thoughts Whatrotty and others. I t would be good to have more. And it is interesting that the voting seems to be evening up. It would be good if EVERYONE who has sensible thoughts would vote to get a clearer indication of the thoughts of the majority rather than those with perhaps a bit of a vested interest.

[Rambling Rose]

1. Lets stop letting preconceptions and prejudices get in the way of facts. The "No dogs " rule is not an Act of Parliament , I suspect it is not even a bylaw of the Local Authority , it is a regulation set by those who administer the facility and I am not sure how much authority they have as they have not provided all the funding and may not all theland concerned.

2. As someone who has also had to deal with small dogs attacked by large dogs I totally agree there have to be some restrictions (and I would like to see more restrictions generally on the control of dangerous breeds and more education of large dog owners in particular). But lets not punish the innocent for the guilty. I have three dogs and physical handicaps. It is difficult to have three dogs on the lead. One is small and very old in dog terms and also arthritic , she trots at my heels and would in fact restrict the length of walks even if I was full active myself, and can be let off the lead, except in the vicinity of traffic and to be on the safe side livestock , food and very small children. One though small is young and skittish. She is still always on the lead in pubic places until I have had the chance to fully train her. Since there is no longer anywhere safe to do this, her training is taking a long time. The third is obedient but soft as a brush I always keep on the lead in a new place until I have had a chance to assess the dangers to him and temptations. After which I would use judgement . AmI and my dogs to be restricted to my own garden in future through no fault of ours.? Becuse of poison threats they have to stay indoors when I am not there, which means I would not have time to get to Lapta, do part of the walk and get back in time. Am I to be denied parr of he country I support because others are irresponsible?

Obviously the answer in "Yes"

[Rambling Rose]

1. Lets stop letting preconceptions and prejudices get in the way of facts. The "No dogs " rule is not an Act of Parliament , I suspect it is not even a bylaw of the Local Authority , it is a regulation set by those who administer the facility and I am not sure how much authority they have as they have not provided all the funding and may not all theland concerned.

2. As someone who has also had to deal with small dogs attacked by large dogs I totally agree there have to be some restrictions (and I would like to see more restrictions generally on the control of dangerous breeds and more education of large dog owners in particular). But lets not punish the innocent for the guilty. I have three dogs and physical handicaps. It is difficult to have three dogs on the lead. One is small and very old in dog terms and also arthritic , she trots at my heels and would in fact restrict the length of walks even if I was full active myself, and can be let off the lead, except in the vicinity of traffic and to be on the safe side livestock , food and very small children. One though small is young and skittish. She is still always on the lead in pubic places until I have had the chance to fully train her. Since there is no longer anywhere safe to do this, her training is taking a long time. The third is obedient but soft as a brush I always keep on the lead in a new place until I have had a chance to assess the dangers to him and temptations. After which I would use judgement . AmI and my dogs to be restricted to my own garden in future through no fault of ours.? Becuse of poison threats they have to stay indoors when I am not there, which means I would not have time to get to Lapta, do part of the walk and get back in time. Am I to be denied parr of he country I support because others are irresponsible?

Obviously the answer in "Yes"

[smallhorse]

I find this an interesting debate.

Living in Cornwall and be a dog owner and beach user I pretty much see this from every angle. In Cornwall, dogs are banned from most beaches from Easter until October. Other beaches have restricted areas.
It raises debate every year, however, the status quo seems to work relatively well.

However, do bear in mind that is if you restrict the access of facilities then less people will use it and then over time the facilities fall into disrepair. My betting is that whilst this is a new and exciting facility at the moment, will people still be using it in 12 months time?

When I'm over in April I'll take a look and see what all the fuss is about.

By the way make your way to Kaplica on the 28th April to cheer on the Brits (me included) competing in the North Cyprus Half Ironman Triathlon.

Catch you soon

Justin

[pipie]

Until all dog owners and I mean ALL dog owners learn to clean up the god awful mess they make then they should be banned from going anywhere near the area's where children play.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-ma ... r-11012044

[Jonnie]

Come on Pipie don't go scaremongering!

Toxocariasis is caused by a worm found in Dog, Cat and Fox Faeces. If you live here and have a garden you will have at least one of those in your garden and chances are if you have children that play in the garden they will come into contact with it.

Now we are talking about a walkway, not a children's play area and I am advocating allowing the walking of dogs on leads and the punishment of those who do not clear up after their dogs. The stance you take is like banning all drivers because some are dangerous.

This whole subject really needs to be put in perspective. There are dogs here, all over the place that roam free, feral or otherwise, it is a fact of life, they are unable to read signs too. They mess all over the place and we all stand at risk from this. The risk is in effect minuscule, millions to one. This becomes infinitesimal when you start to talk about dogs which are inoculated and wormed so lets put this in perspective please!

[Rambling Rose]

Thanks smallhourse and Jonnie for introducing a breath of the fresh air of common sence to this thread. Bournemouth beach used to have a rule that allowed dogs off the lead to run on the beach for limited periods morning and night. "Scooping" was strictly enforced but there were plenty of bins for the benefit of disabled owners of dogs and it was a great joy to see these dogs enjoying a run free, On the other hand I think Bournemouth "rate" payers pay rather more than Lapta for their facililties. If you come to live in a country to take advantage of he low cost of living you should accept the consequences.

A lot of people buy dogs for their children because they consider it develops the better traits in their characters, as well as getting them some healthy fresh air and excercise. In America caring people train and take suitable dogs to visit elderly, disabled and mentally disturbed people, because it is medically proved that stroking and petting animals relieves stress. Inevitably these groups will come into contact with traces of animal excrement but of course the dogs are, as all dogs owned by educated responsible people, vaccinated against transittable diseases.

[Rambling Rose]

Can we, please, just for a moment, forget about dogs , children and even bicycles and think about why this path is being constructed in the first place!

I believe it was intended to make an area of the countryside more accessible to more people. Probably the bright idea of someone who did not really think it through, and if they did could probably not reasonably be expected to imaginethat it would invoke such mainly ill informed and venimous controversy or that a section of the population would expect it to be run for their sole use.

Pre l984 we used to boast that the "silver lining" of the isolation of North Cyprus was that it retained the largest section of unspoilt coastline of the Med., and many unique examples of fauna and flora, bird and marine life, and geological formations. There was a move to encourage "eco tourism" Consequently it was starting to attract well informed and intelligent visitors to experience , and sometimes write and photograph this special area, as well as people who just enjoyed the challenge of hill walking in clean air and unspoilt country or just experience a more relaxed way of life. When these people find that not only are large areas of the country under concrete and the beaches being turned into a poor man's Club Med, but cliff walks are threated with something which sounds increasingly like Southend Pier they will, to coin a phrase, stay away in droves. And the lotus eaters willl eventually move on as they have in other tourist areas that despoiled their natural resources, leaving the population with no source of income and a barren land.

"Killing the goose that laid the golden eggs" has gone beyond a cliche.

Perhaps it would be more constructive and itstructive to vote on what it should be used FOR rather than AGAINST!

[Marions]

thanks to the last few posters for what RR calls 'a breath of common sense'. It was interesting to read in the paper of how a fox savaged a young child (well, bit through its finger) and then when the mother went to the rescue, she got bit as wlel. and that was in Bromley in U.K. foxes have been a nuisance in that area for years and present a much greater danger than the dogs over here. (well, I reckon so)

As to the purpose of the walkway - who knows. It might be an interesting question to ask the Powers that Be, but I strongly suspect it looked a good idea at the time and in line with other Mediterranean countries . interesting that when I was in italy last year at a coastal resort there was miles of beachside area for walking, and parking of the bicycles which seem to be the main form of transport, plus of course dogs on leads, or dogs riding in basketson bikes! I like that!

I do wonder also as to whether it is 'fear' that makes people want to shove dogs out of our lives. Fearof being bitten or catching some nasty disease (as said before a million to one chance, or even less), and if it is not that, just what is it?

any more voting on this. And although I agree with RR, one does not give the reasons for the yes or no, but merely a statement of yes or no, and maybe voters might like to amplify their reasons in a posting.

[woodspeckie]

No matter how many signs are put up saying dogs on lead and scoop up the poo you will always get the ones who ignore the signs, I go for a walk every morning and part of the walk takes me down a footpath at the back of two rows of houses, I have started to do a long detour because of the dog mess on this footpath
in fact I have christened it dog sh-t alley, there are three signs and three dog litter bins in the space of about 300 yards of this walkway, totally ignored by some irresponsible people, this walkway is used by people at night and it is unlit!

[dandelite]

No matter how many signs are put up saying dogs on lead and scoop up the poo you will always get the ones who ignore the signs, I go for a walk every morning and part of the walk takes me down a footpath at the back of two rows of houses, I have started to do a long detour because of the dog mess on this footpath
in fact I have christened it dog sh-t alley, there are three signs and three dog litter bins in the space of about 300 yards of this walkway, totally ignored by some irresponsible people, this walkway is used by people at night and it is unlit!

Well there you go folks, looks like this walkway is now a pathway for dog sh-t
looks like some have finally got there own way

[Panchocat]

dandelite, can you explain your post please, as I don't follow your reasoning.

[Rambling Rose]

Marion: There is a lot of informed comment on the subject of urban foxes in the UK as well as a certain amount of sensationalism by some of your less responsiblecolleagues!

It is interesting , though I am not sure if this is the correct thread, to note that the increase in foxes in populated areas is a direct result of the habitat of such wild animals and their natural prey and food source being destroyed by over development. Which seems to be exactly the route Northern Cyprus is following.

Your point is valid however : there are far greater dangers than dog excrement for the responsible parent to watch out for in gardens, let alone country walks. Snake bites and insect stings for instance ;and rats and mice whose urine can cause nasty disease if a child licks a finger which has touched it or if an existing small scratch is contaminated - but particularly POISON intended for animals can also be picked up by children. Maybe the saddest thing about this subject is that people appear to be using children (who should be educated about animals and encouraged to enjoy them) are being used as smokescreens for prejudice and malice.

[Rambling Rose]

[quote="Marions"


I do wonder also as to whether it is 'fear' that makes people want to shove dogs out of our lives. Fearof being bitten or catching some nasty disease (as said before a million to one chance, or even less), and if it is not that, just what is it?

We all have phobias, often illogical, but if we are reasonabl people in other ways, we recognise them as such, and are able to discuss issues which involve them and be aware of the views and problems of others without attacking other people and trying to restrict their rights, or cause additional problems for people already suffering from disabilities. Particularly we do not hide behind our children, or risk infecting them with the phobia.

There is some excuse for uneducated refugees from third world countries to be unaware of modern practice and precautions in the matter of animal disease, but the degree of ignorance of this subject , conditions in their country of residence and lack of logic in presenting their views in presumably literate and educated British citizens with access to libraries and the internet is truly frightening, I understand KAR have initiatives to educate schoolchildren about pets - but there is obviously as great a need to educate expat adults!.

Conversely aS I have already said, there is also some evidence that kind hearted people are taking on strays with little or no knowledge of how to train, and some of the strays are so traumatised as to challenge an experienced dog owner. There is a desperate need for support and protection for carers of strays.

[Rambling Rose]

Marion:As to the purpose of the walkway - who knows

I suggested that it was inspired by the UK coastal path where the rule is dogs undr control. However it has to be accepted that stretches for very many miles, and the number of people , dogs, other users etc. is probably far less per , say, a ten metre stretch than on the Lapta facility and they are less likely to get under each others' feet. This is a small country and many areas of it , for instance because it is mountainous, are inaccessible for a lot of country, with a very mixed population. Comfortable, equitable and peaceful co-existance depends on an understanding of others needs and a degree of mutual compromise and acceptations of the limitattions imposed by its political and economic situation. It ill becomes expats to insist that a facility is restricted to their particular requirements and prejudices.

[mercenaryali]

It would appear that there are two "ladies" and a certain "gentleman" who have far too much time on their hands.

Which part of NO DOGS ALLOWED do you not yet understand


You just do not get it do you? Some dog owners will collect their precious little doggies poop HOWEVER many will not.

In order to protect the MAJORITY of users who have no dogs and would not wish to tread in DOG POOP the authority have decided to BAN ALL DOGS.

Now let it go, get over it and find another place to walk your dogs = please!

[Jonnie]

It would appear that there are two "ladies" and a certain "gentleman" who have far too much time on their hands.

Which part of NO DOGS ALLOWED do you not yet understand


You just do not get it do you? Some dog owners will collect their precious little doggies poop HOWEVER many will not.

In order to protect the MAJORITY of users who have no dogs and would not wish to tread in DOG POOP the authority have decided to BAN ALL DOGS.

Now let it go, get over it and find another place to walk your dogs = please!

How about you explain who you are directing this at?

[Marions]

I assume I am one of the ladies (and thanks for the compliment), and I assume RR is the other, but not sure who the gentleman is. However, anyone who knows me knows that I have NO time on my hand,s but I am very concerned about community matters, and even several Turkish Cypriots I know in fairly high positions here cannot understand the decision.

|it is not so much accepting it, but wondering why Lapta is out of line compared with other European countries and others in the developed world. Laws change, and there are several who would like to see that changed.

However, it would be appreciated if areas suitable for walking dogs with the family could be suggested. That would help a lot.

[Rambling Rose]

Thanks Marion. Like you I thought it worth spending time on an important issue for the community at large, but it seems it was wasted - some people will be not be moved from their selfish prejudices even to accept others are entitled to a point of view.

Sorry but there is only one place I can suggest for dog walking in my area - alll the others (tragically not just for me but for the general good of the country and its population) are now covered in concrete. I will tell anyone who pms me and convinces me they are genuine dog walkers - but I have no intention of putting it in public for fear someone will come along and spoilt it.

Meanwhile I will spend my time compiling a list of what I find offensive - and far more intrusive than walking with care on a surface already contaminated by various substances

[iancrumpy]

... but wondering why Lapta is out of line compared with other European countries and others in the developed world.

Marion, for the record, it's not just "Lapta" - dog owners are also not allowed to walk their dogs in the Lefkoşa Municipality parks. However, it could be argued that having dogs in parks poses more of a threat to public health than having them on a public walkway. ie. Particularly children are more likely to sit/play on the grass in a public park.

[Marions]

Apologies, Ian. I am ware that the no dogs applies to many places here, but as we were talking about the Lapta walkway, I did not include that in the discussion. for me, it just means there are loads of places I cannot go - that is fine, as my life is O.K, but I find it sad, especially when |I can take my dog into many places in other parts of the world whereas it is prohbibited here in Northern Cyprus. And I take level bets the health of the nations is no worse than here, even for allowing dogs.
The other oddity of course is that these dogs are on leads with owners hwo love them and street dogs do not exist - whereas here they do and the street dogs don't read signs!!!!

Ho hum.

[cyprusishome]

Why has this been resurected after over a month? Everyone was happy with their final comments I believe and now some trouble maker has brought it back to the top to start all over again. GET A LIFE AND MOVE ON!!!!

[mercenaryali]

Dogs are still banned and rightly so! Amen.

[Soner]

OK, I think this has been an inteesting thread and believe it has now served its purpose. I will now lock the thread but would like to remind members that everyone have their own opinions, please try to respect that even if it is not inline with yours.