OPP to increase patrols after used condoms found at park

OPP officials say they will be increasing patrols at the Fergus dog park after used condoms were found in the parking lot on multiple occasions.

“Apparently people are using the location for purposes other than walking their dog,” Wellington OPP spokesperson Marylou Schwindt stated in a Sept. 21 email to the Advertiser.

She added that discarding used prophylactics at the park on Glengarry Crescent is “very disrespectful” and a health risk.

“Obvious concerns would be for a dog to consume the material, which could cause issues - or a child picking it up,” stated Schwindt.

On Sept. 20 the OPP issued a press release stating “potentially biohazardous materials” are being “carelessly discarded by humans in the parking areas of the park.”

Schwindt told the Advertiser that “for months” a woman has “routinely” cleaned up used condoms in the morning at the park.

Police will be increasing patrols in the area and are asking anyone who observes “suspicious or unwanted activity” to call the OPP.

“Our community is fortunate to have this dog park ... Ignorant behaviour such as this creates a risk to everyone attending ... and it needs to stop,” said Schwindt.