During recent excursions, journalists have uncovered a concerning trend in urban parks: more than 20 instances of dog waste scattered along a trail exceeding 100 meters in length. Despite over 10 individuals walking their dogs, only one was seen with a leash in hand. This situation raises critical questions about the rules and ethical standards that should govern pet ownership in the city, as well as the self-restraint expected from both pet owners and their animals—a subject that urgently demands the public’s attention.

An Uptick in Complaints Regarding Unruly Pet Ownership In many neighborhoods, residents are taking their dogs out without leashes, sometimes including large breeds that can be intimidating. For instance, Ms. Han from Xinsheng Community in the Binhai New Area has reported several instances of loose pets startling pedestrians. Similarly, Mr. Sun from Hujiayuan Street within the same district expressed concerns about dogs off-leash frightening the elderly and children in the Western New City area. Ms. Gao has also reported a prevalence of unleashed dogs at the entrance of Juekangyuan community. The issue of dogs relieving themselves in public spaces is a common grievance among citizens. Ms. Dong from Fengxiangyuan Community in Xiqing District’s Zhongbei Town described the underground parking garage at Runmiao Jiayuan in Jinnan District’s Xiaozhan Town as riddled with dog feces, posing a hygiene risk and eyesore due to inconsiderate dog owners.

In the Nankai District along Beicheng Street, the reporter observed an abundance of dog waste in the green belt adjacent to the sidewalk. Mr. Li, a passerby, noted that nearby residents often allow their dogs to defecate there under the mistaken belief that it prevents illness in their pets.

Each afternoon, Ruijing Sports and Culture Park in Beichen District becomes a popular spot for dog walking. During a stroll through the park, the reporter encountered more than 10 dog owners, none of whom had their pets on leashes. As the nearby elementary school let out, with students streaming into the park, only one dog owner bothered to leash their pet. The remaining dogs, regardless of size, roamed freely, and the park’s greenery was littered with waste. From the park’s green spaces to the roadside green belt on Chenda Road, the reporter counted at least 20 piles of dog feces, greatly diminishing the aesthetic of the well-maintained area. As one local resident pointed out, the situation is tolerable in winter, but the stench can become overpowering in the summer, making the area nearly unbearable to pass through.