by Michael Smith (Veshengro)
People who allow their dogs to foul in parks, open spaces and the road without cleaning up after them not only are inconsiderate and obnoxious; they endanger the sight and the lives of children.
In Manchester a two-year old little girl could lose the sight of one her eyes because she fell into dog's mess at Platt Fields Park, Manchester.
The child had run towards the gate of a fenced off area in the park but fell down in dog dirt and rubbed her eyes before her mother could get to her. Despite the fact that her mother managed to clean her eyes and wash it, the toddler woke up early the next morning with swollen eyes and was taken to the Royal Manchester Children's Hospital where doctors confirmed that she was suffering from toxocariasis.
Toxocariasis is carried in dog feces and can lead to complete blindness or even death if not treated within 72 hours. Though the girl has been released from the hospital doctors believe that she might lose some sight in one of her eyes.
This is one of the many reasons that in the Romani-Gypsy Culture dogs (and cats) are considered unclean and are never permitted to enter a true Gypsy household, even though the Romani People may, originally, not even have know of the disease.
It is such a sad state of affairs that dog owners are so inconsiderate in parks and open spaces that a child could lose her eyesight simply of the fact that someone could not be bothered to pick up the mess that his or her pet deposited.
We can observe it again and again daily of how dog owners will ensure that they are a “safe distance” ahead of their dog when they walk it so as to not to be able to see that the dog performed and then, when challenged by Rangers become abusive to the extent, at times, of threatening physical violence.
Some are that inconsiderate and ignorant that they deliberately take their dogs into areas that clearly are marked as “no dogs allowed” and then state “but he is on a lead” or such.
In some countries, Germany amongst them, there is now a little idea taking hold where small flags are planted in dog's mess that identify that this mess is looking for an owner to take care of it, in an attempt to shame people into being responsible.
This seems to be, at times, the only way to go as a quiet word and any attempt in teaching them to be responsible dog owners does not seem to sink in at all.
What will it take? A death of a child from toxocariasis?
© 2010
IOG SALTEX’S ‘World of Arb’ makes tree surgery best practice comes alive
IOG is planning a series of demonstrations, workshops and seminars for this year’s SALTEX show.
Working closely with arboricultural specialist the BTS Group in the World of Arb area of the show, there will be a daily programme of tree climbing/access and rescue demonstrations, walk-in ‘ask the BTS expert’ workshops, as well as a display of products needed for safe and effective tree surgery - focusing especially on equipment for working at height efficiently, effectively and safely.
In addition, the schedule of free seminars taking place in The Grandstand will also include sessions dedicated to the arboriculture industry.
The BTS programme of live demonstrations will include best-practice routines for:
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Access - climbed versus platform – highlighting health and safety issues as well as the efficacy of the alternative routines/methods; and
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Aerial rescue techniques – focusing on accident and emergency routines when close to electricity/power lines.
Kevin Moore, Training Manager of the BTS Training division, says the enthralling programme will involve BTS staff from the Group’s Ipswich, Luton and Leeds depots.
Elsewhere in the show, arborists will also be able to view and discuss a wide range of appropriate equipment, from harnesses through to sky-high access platforms, from other exhibitors.
The IOG SALTEX World of Arb showcase is one of a number of special feature areas planned for this year’s show – visit www.iogsaltex.co.uk for details.
Wait! There could be birds still nesting
Hold back a while before trimming the hedges and trees
by Michael Smith (Veshengro)
You may be getting frustrated and angered by straggly foliage or unruly tree branches which appear to be taking over your garden and by a hedge that looks in serious need of a haircut, but try to hold back on the trimming.
The RSPB is is urging gardeners to avoid making the chop as there could still be late nesting birds hidden within the greenery and you certainly could seriously disrupt them and even cause the death of their offspring.
An RSPB South East media officer said: “The RSPB receives a lot of calls at the moment from people that have started hedge trimming and discovered a nest. It is very disturbing for gardeners to think they have upset their garden birds and they worry that they may fly the nest and the young won’t survive.
“You can save yourself a job and wait for a few weeks, ideally until late September at the earliest. If you do need to do it sooner for safety reasons perhaps, try and replace any greenery as much as possible so as not to deter the birds.”
Most garden birds breed between March and August but some species will be on their nests until late into September.
Cutting this early could also starve birds and mammals of a vital fruit supply. Many plants will still have an abundance of berries which could see the birds through the winter.
Last year’s winter larder of berries on shrubs and hedges meant the difference between life and death for many resident birds and winter visitors.
The RSPB is also urging local authorities to hold back on cutting hedges for a few weeks yet where possible.
Many have to cut hedges for path access or horticultural reasons for example, but where there is flexibility, the wildlife charity suggests waiting until the end of summer.
If maintenance is unavoidable at this time, the RSPB asks that gardeners, local authorities and contractors consider nesting birds and do preliminary inspections.
© 2010
by Michael Smith (Veshengro)
You may be getting frustrated and angered by straggly foliage or unruly tree branches which appear to be taking over your garden and by a hedge that looks in serious need of a haircut, but try to hold back on the trimming.
The RSPB is is urging gardeners to avoid making the chop as there could still be late nesting birds hidden within the greenery and you certainly could seriously disrupt them and even cause the death of their offspring.
An RSPB South East media officer said: “The RSPB receives a lot of calls at the moment from people that have started hedge trimming and discovered a nest. It is very disturbing for gardeners to think they have upset their garden birds and they worry that they may fly the nest and the young won’t survive.
“You can save yourself a job and wait for a few weeks, ideally until late September at the earliest. If you do need to do it sooner for safety reasons perhaps, try and replace any greenery as much as possible so as not to deter the birds.”
Most garden birds breed between March and August but some species will be on their nests until late into September.
Cutting this early could also starve birds and mammals of a vital fruit supply. Many plants will still have an abundance of berries which could see the birds through the winter.
Last year’s winter larder of berries on shrubs and hedges meant the difference between life and death for many resident birds and winter visitors.
The RSPB is also urging local authorities to hold back on cutting hedges for a few weeks yet where possible.
Many have to cut hedges for path access or horticultural reasons for example, but where there is flexibility, the wildlife charity suggests waiting until the end of summer.
If maintenance is unavoidable at this time, the RSPB asks that gardeners, local authorities and contractors consider nesting birds and do preliminary inspections.
© 2010
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