There are many selfish and inconsiderate dog owners in Hong Kong. In some high-rise residential buildings, like the one I live in, tenants are not allowed to keep dogs. Yet, I see an increasing number of residents with large and small dogs in lifts and at public areas around the building. Some owners do not regularly wash their pets which causes an unpleasant smell in confined spaces like lifts. They also allow their animals to relieve themselves on paths in the area and against railings and lamp-posts. I see owners scooping up their pets' excrement with a newspaper and then dumping this paper and its contents on nearby hillsides. This is an eyesore. All dog owners should be forced to pay an annual licence fee. The money generated could be used to clean up canine waste and maintain the SAR's designated dog latrines. People who are not willing to pay this fee should give up all hopes of owning a dog. MAK KONG-LING Wan Chai
