Cr Aubin has told council that too much dog excrement is being left on the Kath Knowles Pathway, which is popular among both pedestrians and cyclists.

“I walk out there quite often. It’s a really nice pathway down by the river,” he said. 

“When I go out on a Saturday afternoon for a walk or a jog there are always a fair few people coming through. It is a really nice walk and we don’t want it spoiled.”

On a recent walk on the pathway, Cr Aubin saw a child accidentally step into a big pile of dog droppings.

“Just after that I side- stepped around an oncoming bike rider and trod in another pile,” he said.

“I just thought you’ve got to be kidding me, why don’t people pick up after their dogs.”

Cr Aubin wants council to look into placing some dog waste stations and bins along the pathway.

He also wondered if the street sweeper could be sent out on a weekly basis to clean up the path.

Council has since confirmed, however, that the footpath is too narrow for the street sweeper to be used.

The engineering department has agreed to look into whether other amenities should be installed.  

Cr Aubin would also like to see signs put up reminding people they have to clean up after their dog – though he says all these measures shouldn’t be necessary.

“If a person brings their dog for a walk, it is their responsibility to take the dog off the path if it has to go, and to pick up any waste,” he said.

“I don’t take my dog down there much, but if I did, I would bring a bag with me and make sure I clean up after him.”

Under the Companion Animals Act, council can choose to charge the owner of a dog, or another person who is in charge of the dog at the time, up to $275 for failing to immediately remove dog faeces from a public place. 

Cr Aubin said while it was fantastic that lots of dog owners were using the park, it was a real shame that some owners were not doing the right thing. 

“It’s a shame to have such a great walk ruined by irresponsible people.”