Fencing around the trees...

I saw this happen and was really annoyed... but then thought maybe it's a sign of the times. So why not throw it out there:

On our block, most of the trees are surrounded by little fences (about 4 inches high). Some neighbors have planted flowers in the hopes that these areas will look nicer. The one in question didn't have many flowers, but surrounds a good sized tree. Neighbor 1 was talking with another neighbor one morning, and noticed someone letting their dog hop over the fence to do their business.

So the neighbor said something like, "There's a reason why there are fences around the trees." The response, rather than taking the dog out, or even apologizing, was a snotty, "Well, where else is the dog supposed to go?" A few more plesantries were exchanged, with the end note being, "Get a dog." (Ooooh, burn.)

I'm a dog owner, and I know you can't control where they go. But I feel like there are certain considerations when walking them: pick up their poo (which is apparently hard enough for a bunch of people); Try to get him peeing closer to a hydrant or the street (not always possible, but you try); and don't let him use the little fenced areas--there's a reason why there's fencing!

Maybe we were being too sensitive... but I was pretty annoyed on an otherwise perfect day. Any thoughts on using those areas as a doggie restroom?