Dear dog lovers, a heartfelt thank you to all those who ensure, day in, day out, that our streets and meadows aren’t completely covered in their four-legged friends’ ‘scent marks’.

Unfortunately, there are apparently still a few dog owners who believe that dog poo is a natural way of beautifying the ground and is part of the landscape – free of charge.

Don’t worry: nobody is expecting the impossible. Your dog is, of course, allowed to do its business – it would just be great if that little pile were to disappear again afterwards. The technique required is surprisingly simple: take a bag, pick up the poo, dispose of the bag. A true marvel of modern civilisation.

And if anyone thinks the lawn is in desperate need of some fertiliser: why not spread it on your own doorstep for a change? Then you can personally enjoy this natural enrichment.

Of course, most dog owners follow the rules to the letter. They deserve a heartfelt thank you. To the others: perhaps next time you go for a walk, don’t just take the dog out, but also pick up the poo straight away.

Because public meadows aren’t dog toilets – and our shoes aren’t poo detectors.

So a little bit of responsibility would certainly be welcome.

Thank you very much for your consideration. The neighbourhood – and the soles of our shoes – will be grateful to you. kh.