Why don't people care about their local environment? Maybe it's that, after a few drinks, they lose their senses and inhibitions, then take the easy and selfish decision to pee up against a wall, rather than use the toilets of the pub that they've just walked out of, but that's no excuse. They don't consider that the filthy results of their thoughtless actions need to be cleaned up afterwards. Of course, the problem isn't only in Eastleigh. The same happens around the world and it can be very unpleasant walking through an area with the smell of urine emanating from the pavement.
So, if we acknowledge that urinating in the street is unacceptable, why do we allow dogs to do it - or more to the point, allow dogs’ owners to let their dogs pee on any tree, wall, car tyre, litter bin or any other object that isn't moving? I pass through an area with many blocks of flats and see the stains on the walls where dogs have relieved themselves. Obviously, it smells, too. People living in the flats take their dogs out for a walk and let them pee anywhere, which is usually close to the entrance to the flats, with no regard for their neighbours. Over time, the stains and smells have built up and it's like walking through a public toilet.
Is it time to fine dog owners, too, if their dogs urinate on the pavement? Realistically, a dog needs to pee, so maybe we should demand that it does so in a separate area or in the road where people don't walk. Peeing on the pavement is unpleasant, whether it's done by a drunken lad or a dog. It's been an uphill struggle to convince dog owners to pick up their dogs' mess, so it won't be easy to get them to stop their dogs peeing where people walk, but education and penalties could gradually change the owners' habits.
The truth is that we should take more pride in our surroundings if we're going to make them more pleasant. There are alternatives to urinating in public areas and we, as a civilised society, should recognise that. Perhaps I’m looking through rose-tinted glasses to expect it, but we need to start somewhere and make people responsible for their own actions - so well done Eastleigh. Now, why not take it a step further and include dogs!