Bags filled with dog feces were purposely placed on the ground within a foot of an empty trash can at Polk Valley Dog Park, according to Lower Saucon Township officials.
In spite of the fact that the Polk Valley Dog Park remains closed due to wet conditions, unknown individuals are sneaking in to use it along with their pets, and even recently damaged the park gate by ripping it off its hinges.
According to a post Thursday on the dog park’s Facebook page, bags of dog feces were also purposely left on the ground within a foot of an empty trash container that is there so visitors can responsibly dispose of dog waste.
“This behavior is not acceptable,” the township said in its park page post. “There are many people who use the dog park who really care about it, yet there are others who do not care about fellow dog owners, as you can see.”
Plastic bags are provided for dog owners who use the park and the Saucon Rail Trail, however, “some people just throw the bag in the woods, drop it along the trail or leave them right by the trash can,” the township said. “The dog park is closed so it does not get destroyed and risk permanent closure. Please take care of it, clean up after yourselves, and obey the rules by not going into it if the gates are chained and the ‘CLOSED’ sign is up.”
In comments on the post, area residents asked about whether surveillance cameras can be installed at the park to help curb the misuse of it.
“I’d put in a camera and a lock that people need a key fob to get into like other dog parks where they don’t have this problem,” wrote Allyssa Trunk. “People are so selfish and disrespectful. So sorry this has to be dealt with!”
“That is appalling!” added Mary Rex. “I can’t believe anyone would do this. C’mon people, don’t ruin it for everyone who actually cares and takes care of the park.”
The township thanked visitors to the park who do follow the rules and responsibly dispose of animal waste when they visit while it is open.
Anyone who spots someone in the dog park while it is closed is asked to call the township police’s non-emergency number at 610-759-2200, so an officer can be dispatched and cite the trespasser(s).
Just a couple of days ago, police asked for help with identifying two people who entered the park with two huskies while it was closed.
The Polk Valley Dog Park gate was damaged by someone who forced it open and took it off its hinges. The park remains closed due to wet conditions.
I don’t understand the baggies on the ground with the trash can right there. That does strike me as vandalism. Could it be possible that since the park was closed the can was removed to be emptied and not replaced?I would think that anyone breaking in to do damage, would let their pets deficate in place and not bother to pick it up. I also do not understand why the park is closed when it snows? There are lots of breeds who love the snow and love running and playing in it. I really do not see any reason for the park to be closed other than that terrible rainy season that we had were the ground would be muddy. Even then it is the owners responsibility to deal with a muddy dog. I guess what it comes down to, is why is the park locked and closed at all? Does the Bethlehem dog park put a padlock and chair on its park when it snows? What about the golf course that LST purchased for walking for people and dogs?