[Tia Maria]

Having read a post in the Lounge made me think about this.

Since being here - 18 months, I've come across several children on their own in parks. My guess is they are probably between 6 - 8years old. They are normally very chatty and friendly and quite happy to mention that their mum is off shopping.

In my 4 years of park going in the UK, I only ever came across one little girl in this situation.

Do you think this is just a different cultural attitude to child safety? I always feel obliged to stay until mum turns up but it seems more common here, maybe I'm being over protective?

I also notice more older siblings (9-10ish) taking younger siblings down the park (as young as 2years). Once again not something I'm use to seeing in the UK but then I was living in London.

Anyone else come across this?

What would you do if you did find a 6 year old playing in the park waiting for Mum?

Cheers

Tia

[swissmissdesigner]

I would say, poor child..
I am sure some of the parents on this forum would disagree with me,
based on Maddie's story where they think that the McCanns parents didn't do
anything wrong leaving very young kids alone in a hotelroom.

cheers

anna

[Moorf]

Not so sure about Chch but in Darfield there are a couple of parks and a skateboard park, usually youngsters there and no sign of adults. I didn't think much of it really - I remember playing at the local park with my brother which was way out of sight of home and going off on adventures on our bikes in to the woods to make dens and muck around.

It's a sad sign of the times, isn't it, when you can't tell your kids to go play in the park....

... mind you, there are times when I'm sure they wished I'd go play on the motorway!! :D

[gil]

Having read a post in the Lounge made me think about this.

Since being here - 18 months, I've come across several children on their own in parks. My guess is they are probably between 6 - 8years old. They are normally very chatty and friendly and quite happy to mention that their mum is off shopping.

In my 4 years of park going in the UK, I only ever came across one little girl in this situation.

Do you think this is just a different cultural attitude to child safety? I always feel obliged to stay until mum turns up but it seems more common here, maybe I'm being over protective?

I also notice more older siblings (9-10ish) taking younger siblings down the park (as young as 2years). Once again not something I'm use to seeing in the UK but then I was living in London.

Anyone else come across this?

What would you do if you did find a 6 year old playing in the park waiting for Mum?

Cheers

Tia

Interesting question Tia. In Cardiff, our younger kids used to go to the park on their own, because we could see it from our house (and even call them if need be!) They only ever went together, never alone, and sometimes they went with friends from the our street. There were rarely parents in the park, unless they were with really young toddlers in pushchairs. Our older two, on the other hand, never used to go to the park on their own because it was about a half a mile walk from our (then) house.
Here, they go to the beach on their own, again not separately, but together, as Will is 11 and Franca 9. (Beach is out of sight, but only a minute's walk.) I think there's a huge balancing act here, balancing (managed) risk against growth. If I had any qualms, they would not be allowed to go.
One thing that may be irrational, or just due to experience, is that I am more comfortable with this balancing act as I work down my children. I was probably VERY strict with Lauren (now 19 and back in UK!) and much less so with Franca (9). Then again, Franca has 3 older siblings who are able to keep an eye...

Also, the living in London part is key to how you feel about this. When my brother-in-law and his wife visited us in Cardiff just before we came over here, they were nervous at the prospect of their kids going to the park with ours, even though we could see it clearly from the house. They just couldn't have contemplated such a thing in London. They were on pin ends the whole time and didn't relax until they came back in!

So I reckon there may well be a different attitude in London, not necessarily shared right across the UK, and that it might be mopre relaxed here compared. However, if you're not comfy with it, do what you need to do...

Gil
x

[StevieD]

As a kid I used to walk round to my mates at 5, and play in the park etc.
There is such a smothering attitude to children lately, rightly or wrongly, but I feel a lot happier letting my 2 go to the park and play - they are 9 and 12. All the kids round here go to the domain to play cricket and rugby/football. It is sad when you can't let your children play out, but the more we give in to this, the worse it will get.

[aberdian]

Much as it scares the living crap out of me, I (we) let our 6 year old off out to play with our neighbours girl on the strict proviso that they're not to go outside of our garden or her garden. We're lucky in that we live in the country, with only an access road to the 5 houses to worry about and fields all around. Still, not entirely comfy with it, but I guess that's just part of being a parent. I think Gil nailed it when she says it's all a balancing act - everyones point of balance is slightly different tho :)

Ian

[willsken]

Part of the reason I came here to live was so Tom at 10 could have more freedom. He was very restricted where we lived in the UK but that was mainly down to the amount of traffic. I love seeing him getting on his bike now and going off swimming with his friends. Still don't let him out after dark though, incredible really how the dark becomes a danger in my mind. :roll Also he always has a mobile phone on him when he goes out, that way I can always get hold of him and vise versa.

[BaldyBeardyBloke]

Like Moorf and StevieD I remember it being like this in the UK when I were nipper in Cheshire (admittedly nowhere near a big city).

Our two are 9 & 11 and I wouldn't dream of letting them loose on their own when we lived in Leeds or Dunfermline.

Here, though, like many other kids they walk to school on ther own and go out on their bike/scooters on their own and I don't feel at all worried.

The fact that stab vests are being issued to teachers in the UK says a lot about how times have changed in good ol' blighty in the last 30 years (sad but true).

My guess is in 30 years time it might be the same here, so let's enjoy our freedom in the meantime.

[Sam B]

Yes, I'm with Gil and Steve - I think it's more damaging to children to smother them in cotton wool and never let them have any adult-free time. Some of my happiest times in childhood were the days when I set off for the wasteland at the back of the houses and spent the day making dens with my friends. I was about 6 when I first did this. Children learn loads and develop when they don't have adults breathing down their necks. Sure there are risks, but I think being a good parent is also about holding your nerve and allowing them to take the occasional risk.

The rise in childhood obesity is probably in part to our increased risk aversion with our children. They are spending more and more time inside, watching tv, playing on the computer. There is more risk in dying of an obesity related disease than there is of being abducted by a paedophile. Let them play out!

[Debbie P.]

I would say, poor child..
I am sure some of the parents on this forum would disagree with me,
based on Maddie's story where they think that the McCanns parents didn't do
anything wrong leaving very young kids alone in a hotelroom.


I agree with you that I personally would have booked a babysitter instead, but I'm not sure it helps to keep going on about it. IF they are innocent of wrong-doing (and I really don't know what to think - would totally lose my faith in human nature if they were), don't you think she regrets doing that every moment of her life? She even said so on UK TV not long after it happened.

Can't we just wait for the truth to come out instead of judging them? We don't know how they're feeling right now, but, if innocent, I can't imagine the torment they are going through.

Back on topic, like others on here, I played out alone from about 7 onwards, including walking briefly alongside a busy road to get to the local park. I'd had enough exposure to the green cross code man to know not to go anywhere near the road itself! Agree with Sam, Nic and Gil, they need to have some freedom, otherwise they'll never learn how to think for themselves.

[jubjub]

I remember my mum calling the police..... oops... I was meant to be home at 4 and did not get home till 6, I was at a friends house playing, and it was in the days when not everyone had phones (gawd, showing my age now) think I was about 10 at the time, I turned up home, just as the police had come to take a description from them.

Anyway, as you can tell, I was let out alone quite a lot, but with boundaries and timelines... used to get up to allsorts, cycled for miles on end, fell off roundabouts..... mind you we did live in a town with about 2000 folks and nearly everyone knew everyone else....

[jubjub]

Sorry never answered the question... not quite sure what I would do, I guess if the parents were happy to leave them there, and the kids showed no signs or running off.... I may just butt out. but if they were preschoolers I would stay with them.

[willowshouse]

I would say, poor child..
I am sure some of the parents on this forum would disagree with me,
based on Maddie's story where they think that the McCanns parents didn't do
anything wrong leaving very young kids alone in a hotelroom.

cheers

anna

Firstly, I would never leave my kids alone in a hotel room abroad ..

HOWEVER, kiwis are not used to cosseting their kids. After a while you do loosen up and give your kids more freedom to come and go. I still wouldn't go off shopping if my kids were at the park but I do let my 12 year old take my 7 year old out which is something I wouldn't have dreamed do in London.

I just think it is hard to know what you would do and how you would feel when you haven't lived here and adjusted to the differences.

[Croft]

As a kid I used to walk round to my mates at 5, and play in the park etc.
There is such a smothering attitude to children lately, rightly or wrongly, but I feel a lot happier letting my 2 go to the park and play - they are 9 and 12. All the kids round here go to the domain to play cricket and rugby/football. It is sad when you can't let your children play out, but the more we give in to this, the worse it will get.

Growing up in the 1970s we all played around the entire district, 5/6 and upwards. We used to go into the woods, climb trees, play in the fields etc. Never even crossed our minds that there was any danger. When we moved somewhere where the school was closer I was walking to school by myself at 9.

How times change.

[swissmissdesigner]

I agree with you that I personally would have booked a babysitter instead, but I'm not sure it helps to keep going on about it. IF they are innocent of wrong-doing (and I really don't know what to think - would totally lose my faith in human nature if they were), don't you think she regrets doing that every moment of her life? She even said so on UK TV not long after it happened.

Can't we just wait for the truth to come out instead of judging them? We don't know how they're feeling right now, but, if innocent, I can't imagine the torment they are going through.

Back on topic, like others on here, I played out alone from about 7 onwards, including walking briefly alongside a busy road to get to the local park. I'd had enough exposure to the green cross code man to know not to go anywhere near the road itself! Agree with Sam, Nic and Gil, they need to have some freedom, otherwise they'll never learn how to think for themselves.

Generally speaking I also prefer to give as much freedom to my kids as possible, and I do. However a child's safety cannot be generalized and there are many factors that add in. Some kids grow up in a busy city with lots of strangers and others have the luck of growing up on the country side and safely play outside where everyone knows each other.
Both my during my own childhood and also my kids childhood we were in such an environment. I am not sure that my kids could offer the same chance to their children 10 year in the further. Is just all depends on the kids age and environment.


About McCann's: I am simply sharing my opinion like anyone else. I had times after I divorced when I wished to go out but I decided to not to because we just moved to a new country. My kids did not speak English well yet and it was still a strange place for them at the time. I just could not leave my kids aged 6 and 8 home alone. For me my kids safety and well being is more important than my own fun time. As I hear from my friends my kids are extremely independent and mature compared to same aged kids. But I taught them step by step everything at the right time.
To summarize: Everything is relative and what works out for one child does not necessarily work for the other, but we still have to protect them.
Peace out!
Anna

[Tia Maria]

I guess what I'm really trying to work out is what is acceptable in NZ, Auckland in my case. For instance I know that back in North London hardly any mothers would consider leaving their 6 year old in a park while they shop. Therefore, I would be concerned if I found a child being treated that way.

However, I appreciate in other areas of the UK, this is not the case as local mothers know what is safe and what is not. I suppose its similar to comparing as to whether it was reckless to leave your car unlocked while you popped into a shop. In some areas it would be fine, in others it would be down right stupid.

Auckland has a mix of being a big city, but a big city in NZ, so it seems the lines as to safety and to things like leaving front doors & cars unlocked are somewhat blurred.

It probably doesn't help that last term there was an incident at the school of a man trying to get two school girls into his car. When you are new to an area it is very hard to work out whether this was a 'once in ten years shocking incident', or a 'sign of things to come'.

It seems from what those in New Zealand are saying is that they don't find it that strange. So its probably OK to leave these children to it, as long as they are happy of course! :)

Now who leaves their car and front door unlocked ........ ?

Cheers

Tia

[nippa&pippa]

In early august, 2 years old girl was left and looked after by mother's sister while her mother was in christchurch hospital. She was played in the jellie park with young cousins by pond :eek: when she was attacked by a dog that escaped from house nearby. There was no adult looking after these children, forced people who walked nearby get involved to stop the attack. Anything can happen to kids if they left own in park.

[snailandthewhale]

yes Sophia, it's dogs I worry about. Some people allow their ( often quite big ) dogs to run loose in kids' playparks. A couple of times my youngest has nearly been knocked over by one and the owner is either some distance away or a child themselves. All the kids are usually screaming and you never know how a dog will react.
k

[aggelon]

Now who leaves their car and front door unlocked ........ ?

Cheers

Tia

When we bought our house here we asked about the keys and were told there had never been any as there was no need.
Down the main street of the town you can tell the local cars and tourist cars by the open windows etc. or not

[Moorf]

As far as I am aware dogs aren't allowed within a certain distance of a playground's boundary/equipment whether on lead or not.

I was most surprised that the mother of the little girl who had her face mauled in Chch recently, in a local park, had decided not to press charges as the owners were "nice people"... :confused:

[Moorf]

Now who leaves their car and front door unlocked ........ ?

Much as we find NZ safe I still don't go out without locking up the house, and I'm constantly nagging my neighbour (Kiwi lady) to shut her windows and lock her doors but she won't - says she's never needed to and she's got nothing worth nicking! Tsk.. asking for trouble if you ask me.

As for cars - I am pretty lax about locking it - but there's usually a huge Rottie and a Pointer staring out at you. :D

[benandclare]

.

As for cars - I am pretty lax about locking it - but there's usually a huge Rottie and a Pointer staring out at you. :D

Yup be a bad move to try it with those two in :nice1

[jubjub]

As far as I am aware dogs aren't allowed within a certain distance of a playground's boundary/equipment whether on lead or not.


You are correct, its 10m away they have to be apparently, the odd time I take AJ to the park and I have the dog, he gets tied to a tree away from the playpark boundary.

[Moorf]

I wonder, as a responsible dog owner (at least I like to think I am), I am uber-conscious of children around and would put them on leads in in an area where kids playing and running around.

And, if someone were to come up to me and ask me to keep the dogs on leads cos their kids were scared, they were scared or whatever I'd be very obliging - who wouldn't? I have friends here in Chch whose children are extremely scared of Summer and know the toll it takes - and remember, dogs can tell if a child or adult is afraid and may well take advantage.

Would anyone, as a parent, approach a dog-owner if worried about the presence of the dog?

[dharder]

And, if someone were to come up to me and ask me to keep the dogs on leads cos their kids were scared, they were scared or whatever I'd be very obliging - who wouldn't?

That'll be a difference between NZ and East London, then. The spotty teenagers with trousers around their ankles who own dogs just this side of the dangerous dogs act would be an example. More than once have I had to leave a park and playground because of one of those dogs, who was totally out of control, fighting each other encouraged by a group of teenagers, no leads in sight, and a park keeper too scared to tell them anything.

I've had one of those beasts tear itself off the lead of its 14 year old female owner, and charge towards my three year old, and ended up licking her foot. I started to scream just to get the dog away, I have almost never been as afraid as then in my life. The girl was unable to get the dog back, and all adults and children ended up leaving the playground in fear. My daughter is still convinced the dog wanted to eat her foot.


Would anyone, as a parent, approach a dog-owner if worried about the presence of the dog?

I have done so, and people have stared at me bewildered, since most people considered it too dangerous. I had the number of the animal control unit of the local council on speed dial on my mobile, because our park warden was unable to do anything (too scared, and apparently, that was not part of his job). And this is of course a park where dogs have to be on leads and are not allowed into the children's play areas at all. But who is supposed to enforce those rules?

I actually started a post yesterday saying that in London, my first fear was traffic and my second dogs, but is sounded so silly!

Sorry about the rant, but those type of dogs really, really scare me. I do know it's not the dog's fault, but I wonder how necessary it is to actually have a dog of that breed. What's wrong with a poodle...

Daniela

[Moorf]

Hmmm, to be honest there are a fair share of hooded teenagers with their Staffies here (complete with studded collar and a rope for a leash). I doubt I'd approach these people as their dogs look like they'd be more than happy to see me off. If I saw them in a park here and I was concerned at the dogs' temperment or their ability to control it I'd call dog control or police. It's not worth the risk.

In fact, my personal experience has been more bad dog care/training here (or lack of it) compared to the UK. :( Many treat their dogs very differently - they look at you a bit strangely when you tell them your dogs stay indoors with you and aren't kept in back yard night and day. I'm not saying that's wrong, it's just not what I'm personally used to. Having worked in Asian I've seen dogs treated in much, much worse conditions.

Having said that, there are lots of dog-parks here in Chch so there's always somewhere you can run them off the lead - and there's lots of empty beach so you don't need to be near the crowds (in fact, during summertime, dogs are banned from popular areas of the beaches in Canterbury).

Unfortunately, Staffies seem to be the choice of the less desirable and less responsible dogowners - there always seems to be a "dog of choice" for these types - I remember when younger in UK it was Dobermans and then Alsations... then another equally large and unnerving dog.

It's the owners, not the dogs, in my opinion. Any dog, if treated badly and not disciplined and socialised, has the ability to turn in to a child mauler... given the right circumstances.

That's probably not what you wanted to hear - but it's my experience.

Moorf

Moorf

[Lupin]

The SPCA was full of staffie crosses. Hazel is one and is quite adorable. All the staffies I've met have been wonderful with kids and an adorable breed but I don't know unsavoury humans so haven't met unsavoury staffies! Helen is right, it's the dog not the breed and more specifically, the owner!

[Lupin]

Sorry about the rant, but those type of dogs really, really scare me. I do know it's not the dog's fault, but I wonder how necessary it is to actually have a dog of that breed. What's wrong with a poodle...

Daniela

Sorry you had that experience Daniela :( But honestly, I'd love an Alsation because they're so intelligent and gentle but intelligent dogs need experienced responsible owners. Teenage idiots shouldn't have any sort of dog ... the most aggressive dog I've met was a Jack Russell. Awful temperament and mouth full of razor sharp needles.

[snailandthewhale]

the problem with speaking to the owners is that they are not always easily identifiable as their dogs are so far away from them. There are areas of the west coach beaches where unleashed dogs "will be shot" apparently, I'm not sure who is supposed to do this and I always see dogs roaming around free.
I think that some dog owners here differ in attitude from the UK. Even though there are plenty of dog parks here, I've seen kids parks with dog turds beside the swings etc. and the road outside my daughters' school is littered with dog turds on a daily basis.
When I've commented to other parents, I've had quizzical looks, they don't seem to have heard of pooper scoopers and someone said, well dogs have to don't they?
It's just like Britain in the 1970s
BTW, Sorry for hijacking this thread.
K

[Moorf]

What's wrong with a poodle...

Even a poodle can attack and maul....

Punish the Deed, Not the Breed ;) (http://www.understand-a-bull.com/BSL/OtherBreedBites/AllDogsBite.htm)

Much like a car or gun, dogs are dangerous in the wrong hands.

[Moorf]

That's horrid :confused:

I have to say I've been pleasantly surprised by the cleanliness of the public areas and the availability of poo-bags in the areas I've been. Not sure if they still do them in Sumner and Brighton beaches but they had brilliant cardboard pooper-scooper bags free on the esplanades.

Having said that, there's often a lack of dog-bins which puts people off picking up poo and having to carry it around or back home in the car so they could do more - ESPECIALLY at beauty spots....



the problem with speaking to the owners is that they are not always easily identifiable as their dogs are so far away from them. There are areas of the west coach beaches where unleashed dogs "will be shot" apparently, I'm not sure who is supposed to do this and I always see dogs roaming around free.
I think that some dog owners here differ in attitude from the UK. Even though there are plenty of dog parks here, I've seen kids parks with dog turds beside the swings etc. and the road outside my daughters' school is littered with dog turds on a daily basis.
When I've commented to other parents, I've had quizzical looks, they don't seem to have heard of pooper scoopers and someone said, well dogs have to don't they?
It's just like Britain in the 1970s
BTW, Sorry for hijacking this thread.
K

[Debbie P.]

Yuk!

I must admit, I really hate living in a society where I'm too scared to approach dog owners regarding left behind dog poo, or in fact anyone behaving unsociably. Nowadays, you're just as likely to end up being stabbed :( . That's universal though, not just a UK thing.

But I absolutely hit the roof with a dog owner a couple of weeks ago when her large dog jumped up at me. My mum's got 2 dogs and I've got nothing against dogs generally, but I HATE it when dog owners say "oh, he's just being friendly".

It's bad enough getting muddy pawprints on my clothes, but I strongly object to being punched in my pregnant belly :( . The stupid woman just stared at me when I shouted at her and then led her dog away - she didn't even say sorry. And yet, if I had kicked the animal away from me, she'd probably be the first to accuse me of animal cruelty.

[Tia Maria]

We also have a lot of problems with dog poo, the corner where the WSB meets tends to have 2 or 3 every day! You can text our council, something I would never have done in the UK but it seems much more of a problem here - particularly with bare feet!

The owners round here don't keep their dogs away from the playgrounds either. In a way I wish councils would just divide park areas, dogs this side - kids other, that way everyone has their own space.

I had a dog come up and lick my 1 year old while he was crawling, I was straight in there picking him up and his owner was in there with the old 'he's only being friendly' defence. I felt like saying how would you feel if my '4 year old came up and licked your face?', but resisted.

I've also had an alsation jump up at my kids and 'dry bite' but in this situation the owner was very apologetic. So although the second situation was potentially more dangerous I feel more comfortable about it as the owner took responsibility.

Dogs, like kids can be unpredictable its how the owners/parents respond that can make all the difference.

Cheers

Tia

[Debbie P.]

It's so disgusting, and dangerous as well. I remember a story in the UK papers a few years back about a guy who fell over in a park while running and broke his leg - because he'd fallen on some dog poo and his leg hadn't been properly cleaned before being put in plaster, he ended up with an infection and had to have it amputated. Awful story.

[swissmissdesigner]

It's so disgusting, and dangerous as well. I remember a story in the UK papers a few years back about a guy who fell over in a park while running and broke his leg - because he'd fallen on some dog poo and his leg hadn't been properly cleaned before being put in plaster, he ended up with an infection and had to have it amputated. Awful story.

Also for young children can be very dangerous!
If kids get in contact with the doggy poo, they can get serious eye infection and soo.Other reason to supervise the younger kids and explain to them all these "side effects" playing in a public area!:(

[jubjub]

It really bugs me when folks don't scoop the poop, especially around a park or on someones lawn, the gardens are all so open round here when I go to pick up our mutts mess, I often see others mess lying around.

It is an offence and punishable by a fine, so if you see anyone doing it regularly then tell local dog control.

[wilson182]

I've had one of those beasts tear itself off the lead of its 14 year old female owner, and charge towards my three year old, and ended up licking her foot. I started to scream just to get the dog away, I have almost never been as afraid as then in my life. The girl was unable to get the dog back, and all adults and children ended up leaving the playground in fear. My daughter is still convinced the dog wanted to eat her foot.



Daniela

Oh Daniela, I felt sick just reading that...... you must have been terrified.

Debs xx

[Lupin]

Dog poo is my *major* bugbear! Also, personally I hate it when people walk dogs in parks even if they scoop because it still leaves a smear. I trained my first dog to poo off the pavement and I still picked it up. I didn't exercise her in parks until she had already been.

Dogs jumping is bad, imo, but Hazel is not being quick to learn this one ....

[nippa&pippa]

Helen, your dog, summer is so softies around my kids ;)
I agree it is down to owner, not breed of dogs, that caused dogs' behaviour like last year we heard about golden rectriever attacked little girl in UK, which it is odd to us, knowing golden rectriever usually very calm dog. Our current golden rectriever is very gentle with our children especially with our newborn, but I refuse to trust her 100% to left alone with children, same as all other dogs because you never know what can be trigger for dogs to attack the children out of blue.

[snailandthewhale]

I must say, apart from the dog poo, all the parks here are much cleaner and nicer than in the UK, no litter or vandalism.
My daughters' school ( a v nice school, decile 10 ) had to put a request in the last news letter asking parents who bring dogs with them not to allow them to poo in the playground as the janitor is sick of cleaning up after dogs on an almost daily basis. As Sophia said, the kids are all in bare feet. Most kiwi parents don't have a problem with it. It's unbelievable!

[Lupin]

Well I must be really lucky. Our parks are dog poo free. I use the park in Havelock North, Frimley in Hastings and the Marine Parade one in Napier (latter is fenced and no dogs anyway).

You shouldn't have a dog if you're not prepared to clean up after it and it. My 9 yr old uses a bag when she takes the puppy out, so an adult has no excuse.

[Lupin]

As Sophia said, the kids are all in bare feet. Most kiwi parents don't have a problem with it. It's unbelievable!

BTW, I don't know ANY Kiwi parents who wouldn't have a problem with dog poo and their bare footed children and I've been blessed with making a lot of Kiwi friends. Perhaps this is an Auckland/ rest of NZ divide?

[Sam B]

Everyone seems to pick up their poo here in Cambridge too - much less poo than the UK.

[willsken]

Can't say I've noticed it being a problem in Waipuk either.

[wilson182]

Not a problem here in Rangiora either..... thank goodness

[kiwidebs]

Not found it a problem here in my little part of West Auckland either.
And most parents I know here would be as disgusted as the rest of you at the idea of their kids walking in dog poo in bare feet - what do you lot think of Aucklanders???:laugh :exit Perhaps this is an Auckland/ rest of NZ divide?

[Familyofmonkeys]

Not found it a problem here in my little part of West Auckland either.
And most parents I know here would be as disgusted as the rest of you at the idea of their kids walking in dog poo in bare feet - what do you lot think of Aucklanders???:laugh :exit

Definately no poo here.....see kids running around the park bare foot all the time.

[John Z]

From TV France yesterday:

a girl playing in the backyard of her parents house was attacked and killed by 2 "German Dogs" owned by the family. The mother heard the girl screaming but couldn't come in between.

The police officer said there was an increase in dogs attacking people, for no known reason.