At the height of his fame, Basil Rathbone once turned down a significant movie role. The reason? The villain in the film killed a dog halfway through. For Rathbone, that crossed a line, and he refused the part. As he put it, “And if there’s one thing I won’t do, it’s kill a dog.”
While this sentiment may seem quaint, it highlights a deep affection for dogs that many people, including myself, share. Growing up in Cork, I had a dog named Trampas, who was both fiercely protective and remarkably gentle. He was the greatest dog in Cork, and his love for us was matched only by his ability to keep intruders at bay. Despite his toughness, Trampas was also kind-hearted, enduring everything from a toddler sitting on his head to being bitten on the nose—without ever retaliating.
However, it’s this love for dogs that makes it all the more stomach-churning to see how some owners now allow their pets to engage in behaviors that are both inconsiderate and unhygienic, particularly in public spaces. Last week, I had a jarring encounter in a Cork shopping centre. As I was walking towards the supermarket, a lady with a small black dog stopped in the middle of the central walkway. Without hesitation, the dog relieved itself in three separate piles, right where shoppers, toddlers, and families were passing by. The owner dutifully picked up after the dog, but I was left in shock. Has society really reached a point where it’s acceptable for dogs to defecate in the middle of shopping areas?
Sadly, this incident isn’t isolated. I’ve heard similar stories from others. One friend recounted a visit to a popular coffee shop in Cork where a large dog was lounging on a seat, scratching itself, and even resting its chin on the table. Another shared an experience in a restaurant where two dogs had a violent disagreement, growling and snapping at each other during a meal.
The issue isn’t with the dogs themselves. They are animals, and while we may love them, we must recognize that they’re not suited for every space, particularly spaces meant for people. Shopping centres, restaurants, and cafés are not places for dogs to roam freely, especially not when their behavior disrupts others or leads to messes that no one wants to clean up.
While it’s true that dogs are allowed on streets and sidewalks, where they can do their business, public spaces like shopping centres are meant for people. A quick stop through a mall with your dog may seem harmless, but it often leads to more than just a short visit. What’s next? A coffee break, a catch-up with friends, or a peaceful stroll turns into a situation where people are forced to endure the inconvenience of dogs relieving themselves in front of them.
It’s time for dog owners to rethink public etiquette. We shouldn’t be forcing others to “enjoy” our pets in spaces where they don’t belong. Dogs should be cherished, but the world around us is not designed to accommodate them everywhere. Shopping centres, restaurants, and other public places exist for people’s comfort and convenience—not for dogs to have a free rein.
A recent guide from gardaí in Cork highlighted dog poo hotspots in the city, showing how widespread the problem has become. While dogs have every right to walk the streets, their owners must take responsibility for cleaning up after them. The real issue is the attitude of some owners who feel entitled to bring their pets into spaces designed for people, expecting others to just put up with it.
It’s about time we start setting boundaries for both humans and pets. The world isn’t here for everyone’s convenience, and while dogs are beloved companions, public spaces should remain just that—public spaces for all to enjoy, free from the mess and disruptions caused by those who believe the world is their dog’s playground.