BOW, WOW, THE WATCH DOGS BARK
Thousands have left the countryside in SA to seek the hoped for opportunities that the bright lights promise but seldom provide. The net result is unemployment, poverty, desperation and crime.
Our suburb, including others, has suffered a high level of crime for some years. This ranges from petty theft by individuals who are desperate to stay alive to car theft, house breaking and car hijacking undertaken by members of syndicates. These latter individuals are usually bold and ruthless in their methods as, for them, it is a highly lucrative ‘business’.
I don’t wish to discuss the political, social and economic aspects of rampant crime, as it is a well-aired issue. One of the consequences of this unfortunate phenomenon is, however, that local residents are acquiring dogs – many dogs. Dogs usually of the large chewing type that, it is hoped, will deter the hunter/gatherers who stalk our streets.
The problem is not new as the following lines record when thousands flocked to the cities in Britain during the Industrial Revolution.
Hark, hark, the dogs do bark
The beggars are coming to town
Some in rags and some in bags
And one in a velvet gown.
And bark they do. All day and all night. The problem being that, in most cases, these poor beasts are too large for the average suburban plot, are enclosed behind high walls and often deprived by uncaring owners of the love and attention dogs need. They are bored, need exercise and become somewhat demented.
Asked why such large dogs are required most people say that protection is the reason. Yet a dog can be neutralised by a good squirt of spray insecticide into its open mouth as it challenges the would-be intruder at the fence or gate.
Others say that dogs act as an early warning device as their barking will alert the homeowner that all is not well. My observation here is that dog owners never, never hear their own dogs and all they eventually do is annoy and disturb the neighbours.
Dogs do make wonderful pets but the breed chosen should be of a size appropriate for the grounds available. With care, attention and love they become great team players and members of the family. The early warning function seems to me the only real help a dog can offer provided the owners react.
As for me I don’t keep a pet. Well that’s not quite true. There is a large wolf near the front door; in fact he’s been there for many, many years. He’s quite self-sufficient and his main function is to remind me to keep my nose to the grindstone and provide, provide and provide.
Thousands have left the countryside in SA to seek the hoped for opportunities that the bright lights promise but seldom provide. The net result is unemployment, poverty, desperation and crime.
Our suburb, including others, has suffered a high level of crime for some years. This ranges from petty theft by individuals who are desperate to stay alive to car theft, house breaking and car hijacking undertaken by members of syndicates. These latter individuals are usually bold and ruthless in their methods as, for them, it is a highly lucrative ‘business’.
I don’t wish to discuss the political, social and economic aspects of rampant crime, as it is a well-aired issue. One of the consequences of this unfortunate phenomenon is, however, that local residents are acquiring dogs – many dogs. Dogs usually of the large chewing type that, it is hoped, will deter the hunter/gatherers who stalk our streets.
The problem is not new as the following lines record when thousands flocked to the cities in Britain during the Industrial Revolution.
Hark, hark, the dogs do bark
The beggars are coming to town
Some in rags and some in bags
And one in a velvet gown.
And bark they do. All day and all night. The problem being that, in most cases, these poor beasts are too large for the average suburban plot, are enclosed behind high walls and often deprived by uncaring owners of the love and attention dogs need. They are bored, need exercise and become somewhat demented.
Asked why such large dogs are required most people say that protection is the reason. Yet a dog can be neutralised by a good squirt of spray insecticide into its open mouth as it challenges the would-be intruder at the fence or gate.
Others say that dogs act as an early warning device as their barking will alert the homeowner that all is not well. My observation here is that dog owners never, never hear their own dogs and all they eventually do is annoy and disturb the neighbours.
Dogs do make wonderful pets but the breed chosen should be of a size appropriate for the grounds available. With care, attention and love they become great team players and members of the family. The early warning function seems to me the only real help a dog can offer provided the owners react.
As for me I don’t keep a pet. Well that’s not quite true. There is a large wolf near the front door; in fact he’s been there for many, many years. He’s quite self-sufficient and his main function is to remind me to keep my nose to the grindstone and provide, provide and provide.
posted by Malcolm @ 7:19 pm
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