Not binning glass damages more than just the scenery

Published: Thursday 20 July 2023

German Shepherd puppy Rory with bandaged paw

Broken glass is not only an eyesore - it can also seriously injure people and their pets.

So, please bin your rubbish or take it home and dispose of it safely so that dogs like Rory don’t have to suffer because of selfish behaviour.

German Shepherd puppy Rory cut his paw on the “Black Path” woodland walkway in Meikle Earnock in Hamilton. His owner Jane was walking him with her other dogs and in his excitement he ran ahead and cut his paw on glass.

Jane was really upset because it was difficult to get him home as she had her other dogs with her. And when she did manage to get Rory patched up by a vet, the bandage and collar made him highly strung and upset which affected how the other dogs treated him.

Jane said: “It made me so angry as it’s a lovely, safe walk away from traffic and it’s hard to see any glass because of the grass and plants.

“Now I am nervous about going back there on my own with the dogs in case anything else happens.”

Chair of the council’s Housing and Technical Resources Committee, Councillor Davie McLachlan, said: “Throwing away any rubbish is something that none of us should be doing.

“For the people who continue to do this however, they must accept that this mindless disregard for others can have serious consequences.

“Thankfully Rory’s injuries weren’t too serious, but other pets and wild animals might not be so lucky.

“And of course, there is also the very real danger that young children, and indeed anyone, can fall and cut themselves on broken glass thoughtlessly thrown away.

“So please, always put your rubbish in the bins that the council provides in its public spaces. And if there is none to hand, please take your waste home and put it in the domestic and recycling bins that every home has for that purpose.

“It’s your community, your people and your space. So, let’s all enjoy it together.”

To report any anti-social behaviour issues please call 0800 389 1105 or email the team.

Alternatively, the police can be contacted on 101 for any anti-social behaviour issues or in an emergency call 999.

Look out for more stories on these topics in the View over the next few weeks.