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Dog owners in Mariahilf are afraid of injections and drugs!
Neighbors in Mariahilf report increasing drug problems and unsafe conditions in dog parks, while solutions are called for.
Dog owners in Mariahilf are afraid of injections and drugs!
More and more residents in Vienna are worried about the safety in their surroundings, especially in the dog park on Gumpendorfer Straße. Alexander P., an area resident, recently saw his 15-week-old golden retriever, Bailey, almost step in a syringe while walking him. “I’m not letting Bailey walk around here alone anymore,” he says as he tosses what caring for his dog means to him. In his opinion, the situation in the neighborhood has worsened in recent years since a drug counseling center was opened in 2012. Alexander notices more and more syringes and blood-stained swabs in the area, which makes him doubt the safety of his walks.
Insecurity is increasing: a few days ago, his wife and son were aggressively harassed and persecuted by an addict in the U6 station. The short journey to school, which they normally cover in seven minutes, can no longer be managed without hesitation. “We no longer feel comfortable in our own neighborhood,” reports Alexander and describes other shocking incidents surrounding the drug residue in front of the supermarket and the sales activity that is increasing on the side streets.
The role of dog areas
Dog zones in Vienna are important places of retreat for dog owners and their four-legged friends, as dogs are allowed to run around there without a leash or muzzle. These special areas are often the only opportunities for dogs to get enough exercise, especially in densely built-up areas of the city. Since 2008, there have been 126 designated dog zones in Vienna, covering more than 897,000 m². However, a large area of 2600 m² on Gumpendorfer Straße is severely affected by the drug problem Wikipedia reported.
The residents, including the ÖVP politician Martina Hammerer from Mariahilf, are taking the concerns seriously and are campaigning for changes. She sharply criticizes the city government for ignoring the concerns of residents. “We need more safety in our parks and playgrounds,” demands Hammerer and advocates measures such as alcohol bans and protection zones.
Public space and drug consumption
The problem of drug use in public spaces is not an isolated case. Studies show that there is an increased risk of left-behind syringes, particularly in areas such as train stations, parks and near schools. BMWSB emphasizes the urgency of making these places safer and more attractive. The Minister for Housing, Urban Development and Construction, Klara Geywitz, emphasizes that drug users must not be excluded and that there is a need to create support systems for those affected.
In this context, the Vienna drug coordinator Ewald Lochner announced a “security strategy summit” with the police to discuss possible measures to improve the situation. The aspect of drug use is increasingly becoming a social issue that affects not only residents but the entire urban community.
The concerns of citizens and those responsible are now under pressure: answers are needed to ensure both the safety of families and the quality of life of residents.