To the editor:

There was a suggestion by a young lady for a new dog park in Lawrence and it’s to be paid for by an increase in the price of a tag. This was a great suggestion except why should only the “responsible” pet owners pay? In Ottawa, they just spent $85,000 in Forest Park and few people use it.

I suggest that the price of an animal off leash, at large or leaving pet droppings all over town be enforced and increase the fines substantially. Domestic animals at large do unbelievable damage to both game and non-game species, so to encourage people to be more “responsible” would not only help support a park for pet owners but help the environment as well.

As for all the droppings on or near sidewalks all over town, it’s not only unsightly but it spreads disease and goes in the storm water system untreated. So while the subject has been brought up, maybe it’s time to do something to fix several problems and have it pay for a nice dog park.