OK, if we get a cooling off period and the city takes time to educate dog owners to clean up after their dogs and obey trail rules, that period should also include strict enforcement of the rules. Education without enforcement hasn't worked over the years.
I remember back in the old days that if your dog was seen chasing deer or elk, it could be shot by a conservation officer. I grew up with that strict law and it stuck in my mind. I'm not advocating that dogs be automatically shot for chasing game but the owner should be cited and given a hefty fine.
I think Idaho Fish and Game should do more patrols in the Foothills during critical times of winter and write some tickets. Running down deer in a weak state in the winter is just as serious as poaching.
I've actually heard some dog owners laugh as they came back from a walk saying that their dog took off after a deer. They didn't have a clue about preserving wildlife and wildlife habitat.
OK, now on the poop issue. Again, enforcement is key. A pet owner seen not picking up after its dog should automatically have to clean up poop and litter on trails for 8 hours. It would be good if they wore a yellow vest with the words "Poop Patrol."
The same sentence should be given for the owner of an uncontrolled dog - 8 hours of trail work.
The volunteer trail rangers in the Foothills should be given enforcement capabilities.
Some may say that we shouldn't take on the extra burden of using tax money to patrol and enforce the laws in the Boise Foothills, but the Foothills are a valuable resource, just like our parks downtown.
If dog owners know they are going to do hard labor for messing up, they may be a little more diligent in following the rules.