I was struck by both the headline and the content of your article (‘Poo and punishment’ – is there really a war on dogs in England and Wales?, 26 February). It was very similar to articles on the supposed “war on motorists”. In both instances, it features a group that has had largely limited policing and whose antisocial behaviour is imposed on others – danger, pollution etc.
By coincidence, your article was published the same week that a colleague inquired about having a “puppy day” as part of returning to the office and I had to interject, to much surprise from others, that some people may not appreciate it as they are scared, or may have allergies. I love dogs, but I cannot stand their entitled owners.
James Cant
West Dulwich, London
• Most dogs, says Lee Gingell, public affairs manager at the RSPCA, “like to run around. They like to chase balls. They like to exercise.” The same could be said about children. Unlike dog owners, who expect to let their charges roam free and take pleasure in their enjoyment of the park, us grandparents and children are herded into small fenced-off areas.
This is the only space where they can play without fear of being knocked over by an off-the-leash dog, or play with their ball, or eat their ice-cream in peace. Dog owners shout ineffectually from a distance or turn their back when their charges misbehave. I, for one, would like to see this situation reversed, with the dog owners huddled in the fenced-off areas with their unruly pets.
Marie Veron
Meols, Wirral, Merseyside
• One day someone will explain convincingly why dogs can be trained to do literally anything except poo in a litter tray. Cats can do it. It can’t be hard. In the meantime, much though I like dogs, their owners get short shrift from me because our kids go to the park or walk in the street and come home smeared in poo. At least a dog on a lead is visibly associated with the owner – who often then feels obliged to pick it up.
Jacoby Thwaites
London
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