Should dogs be allowed on artificial turf at Hillview Link where kids play?
A resident is frustrated by what he says is inconsiderate behaviour from some dog owners at the newly built artificial turf football field at the Central Manpower Base (CMPB) in Hillview Link.
Stomper KD, who takes evening walks in the area once or twice a week, said he has seen people bringing their dogs onto the pitch and letting them run freely there.
"About one out of every three or four visits, I encounter them," he said.
"On one occasion, I even saw a dog defecating on the field late at night when fewer people were around. This is a serious concern - children are running and rolling on this field.
"Exposing them to animal waste and potential germs is unhygienic and highly inconsiderate."
He added that while the surrounding lawn and walking areas may be public, sports facilities like this should have stricter policies to prevent such issues.
"I raised this with a security guard, but he said there was nothing he could do since it's considered a public park," said the Stomper.
He also spoke to another guard who told him to write a complaint to Mindef: "But come on... this isn't a national security matter, it's common sense."
On Aug 13, KD said he saw another dog defecating on the turf while its owner was far away and didn't even realise it.
"I complained directly to the owner but he didn't think it was a big deal," he said. "I then went to the management office and this time, a younger security guard asked me for the photos. Let's see what can be done.
"My kids play there and literally roll on the ground from time to time. I hate to see them exposed to animal germs because some inconsiderate citizens think it's a dog park."
Pet owners are required by law to leash their dogs in public places. The maximum fine is $5,000.
The Animal and Veterinary Service also advises pet owners to clean up after their dogs.
