Those cute rabbit-cow-dogs that you may have seen on the lawn near Metro Hall are producing a lot of waste. And it's about time somebody cleaned up after them.

Big mounds of defecation lay scattered around the 19 bronze sculptures grazing on what's left of the melting snow along the lawn at 55 John St. (at Wellington) south of Metro Hall.

Commissioned by the Municipality of Metropolitan Toronto Marathon Realty Company, the herd is the work of Cynthia Short's 1992 art installation.

Judging by the size and amount of waste nearby, these creatures must have been grazing a lot this winter. Their field is far from a safe playground for children, as was intended by the artist.

Digging a little deeper, I found this description for Remembered Sustenance, culled from Toronto ARTwalk (pdf):

"The inspiration for Remembered Sustenance is drawn from the location of the sculpture's site. Adjacent to an outdoor daycare playground the work has been created to convey the sense of playfulness and whimsy associated with children's stories and games.

"A group of bronze, non-specific-looking cartoon-like animals appear to be migrating in procession across the lawn, towards, then away from a curtain drawn by two birds. Below the curtain, a plate set in the ground holds a negative impression of the shape of a small
ballerina that might be found in a child's music box.

"This element represents the remembered experiences of childhood that the artist suggests can sustain us throughout our lives. Open and abundant with possibility of meaning, it is the artist's stated intention that the work should most of all be enjoyed by children."

How are children going to enjoy this work of art with so many huge clumps of poo in the way?

I understand that animals have to make number two too, but can't we at least ensure that it's disposed of promptly?