Dog owners in Haifa complain about the lack of dog parks throughout the city - to their delight, there are those in the council who do not intend to give up
Hila Lauper, member of the City Council from the Greens, brought up the issue of dog parks for discussion at the last City Council (Mon. 23/5/22) Avihu Han, chairman of the Greens of Haifa, put forward a proposal to settle the matter.
"Basic need of the residents"
"Dog parks are a basic need of the residents, Laufer said at the council meeting, "Just like there are play parks for children, there are dog parks. In Kiryat Haim, we started the process of establishing a dog park more than two years ago! It's one of the easiest things to do, so why isn't it happening?"
"It's a very simple thing to do"
Laufer went on to say: "During the election period (for mayor), one of the mayor's promises was the establishment of dog parks throughout the city. Three and a half years have passed since then! Three and a half years are needed to establish dog parks? We are two years into the process that I initiated to establish a dog park in West Kiryat Haim, every The professionals checked, all the approvals were received, and nothing!"
Laufer referred to the claim that the budget for the establishment of decency was apparently not approved by the Change Council: "We are dealing with this long before the Change Council was even established, so to say that a budget for this was not approved is simply a lie. The residents want the everyday things that will serve him in the routine of life, part of that is dog parks," she said and added: "And it's also the easiest thing to do!".
The proposal for order put forward by Han on the subject at the council meeting (23/5/22):
"The city council instructs the mayor to prepare a comprehensive plan for the establishment of dog parks in Haifa, the plan will include the needs for the establishment of dog parks, including budgetary solutions. The issue will be brought up and discussed in the finance committee and approved in accordance with the budgetary capacities. The plan for the establishment of these parks will be shared by public representatives from the various neighborhoods and a public announcement will be made ".
Hahn's motion passed unanimously, except for one council member who abstained.
His father Han said to Hai Pa:
The dog is man's best friend. There is a desire and a need to respond to the growing population of dog owners among the city's residents, while minimally disturbing the rest of the residents. The need to establish gardens and corners to release dogs provides the solution, both for the community and for the dogs. In addition, this move will provide an adequate and correct solution to the needs of the dogs and a significant reduction of dog excrement in the public space. The benefits are clear and our mission is to promote this aspect quickly in many neighborhoods in Haifa.
Laufer said to Hai here:
The city of Haifa suffers from a lack of dog parks, which creates distress among many dog owners who demand a solution. In every reformed city there are dog parks for the benefit of the dogs and for the benefit of the environment. It is not possible for dog owners to be fined for releasing their dogs when they do not receive any response. A garden serves everyone, both the dog owners and those who are not interested in seeing loose dogs running in the streets.
She further added: "A dog park also protects the dogs from the danger of being trampled, and just as importantly, dog parks significantly reduce the amount of feces throughout the city."
All the professionals arrived…
Lauper: "This was one of the mayor's election promises. I personally initiated the establishment of a dog park in West Kiryat Haim, all the professionals came to the place - the official veterinarian, the director of the road department, the director of the landscape division, the operations manager and more... We agreed on a location, made a public announcement. All this happened about two years ago, how is it possible that they fail to do such a simple thing? The mayor looks at the city with an unclear future vision, but repeatedly misses the daily needs of the residents of Haifa, even those who walk on all fours. I am glad that on this issue every The members of the city council united and approved Avihu Han's excellent proposal. Now we will insist that it uphold the city council's decision."
From the "Haifai passport" distributed by the mayor during the mayoral elections:
The main thing is that they have money to replace the vehicles with new ones!!! And regarding the dog garden... We at Leon Bloom have made an admittedly not large dog garden in our building.
I have a dog but it's not the public's problem. What nonsense do you have in your head? And the dog in the picture looks like a dangerous dog, whoever keeps such a dog is evil. There are too many dogs in Kiryat Haim without a leash and it is dangerous. More than once a dog approached my dog and I was very scared. The fact that I have a dog is not the problem of others, neither his needs nor the barking. Every second house in Kiryat Haim in the path area near Anne Frank has a dog that never stops barking. Why disturb the neighbors? My dog stays at home and doesn't go out after 9.
In Kiryat Haim there is one dog park that is neglected, there is always a lack of bags for collecting necessities. The dirt there is unbearable. Sha'arit Haifa will learn from Kiryat Motzkin and Bialik. Every park has a facility for bags. Save nothing and always clean and equipped.
In Bialik all the bags are scattered on the floor by children.
I wish the city inspectors would give fines to dog owners who let their dog loose and/or let the dog poop on the sidewalk or near the sidewalk. It just doesn't happen.
Why establish dog parks and not cat parks??
This is harsh discrimination against the cat population which is much larger than the dog population.