We are in the historic center of Bari. The councilor of the first town hall Giuseppe Corcelli publish a rather explicit photo on social media.
The shot shows two puppies sniffing each other and carrying out their needs without a leash in the synthetic lawn of a soccer field under the supervision of their respective owners.
The post of the city councilor Corcelli
The post and the related photo on Facebook published by Giuseppe Corcelli sparked the dissent of citizens and the request to the administration of create areas equipped for dogs.
“This image speaks for itself – writes Corcelli in his publication – I think it is absolutely disrespectful to use a sports area as if it were intended for the unleashing of dogs”.
And keeps going:
“The common sense of a person who respects the common good would lead to not doing all this but, unfortunately, the indifference of so many people is shameful. I will propose to put up a sign prohibiting the entry of dogs and bicycles. With the hope that it will be respected ».
A social debate
The complaint sparked the debate on the net by bringing out one severe deficiency for a metropolitan city like Bari, or the lack of dedicated spaces for dogs in the central districts of the Apulian capital.
The comments to the post are different where citizens’ complaints about the incivility of certain dog owners emerge, albeit admitting that their city is not really pet-friendly:
«Unacceptable incivility! […] I note, alongside the widespread incivility of dog owners, also a shortage of dog areas, with the few existing inadequate, without greenery ».
“Execrable behavior, however this should make it clear that there is an extreme need for unleashing areas even in the center.”
It’s still:
“We don’t have areas for our dogs to play and let loose.”
“The few areas that exist in other neighborhoods are inadequate, without greenery, more like cages.”
The explanations of the councilor
Corcelli agrees with his fellow citizens, not hiding that however such behavior cannot be an alibi.
After all, he himself lives the problem with his Poodle Charlie:
«The dog areas are few – he says – in some neighborhoods they are even absent. We cannot deny that these needs have grown in recent years ».
It must be said that this story highlights the importance of designing cities also for animalsif we take into account the greater sensitivity that has developed, in recent years, towards dogs and cats.
These other news may be of interest to you: