Lottie Gross says that she loves Northumberland “for its vast open beaches” (20 of the best dog-friendly places to stay in the UK, 15 July). She’s not alone. We spend a lot of time on and around those beaches and are becoming increasingly dog-grumpy over what now feels like a canine invasion.
The article says that our “beaches and their dunes are dog‑friendly all year round, without a summer restriction in sight”. Unfortunately, too many owners take that literally, so that dog after dog is left “enjoying itself” running free along shore lines, spooking waders and even disturbing seals. Sanderling, redshank, oyster catchers, godwit, curlew, ringed plover, etc are forever being chased from feeding and resting areas.
Also, while I’ve never bought a dog, I’ve inherited several and it never would have occurred to me to take one into a pub or restaurant. Unfortunately, in order to pull in tourists, the Northumbrian pubs are forced to be “dog friendly”.
I recently called in for a pint at a dog-stinky pub on the coast where some disfigured ex-wolf was nosing around while its owner was delivering a loud detailed biography of his pet. Is there any chance I’d be eating there? Err, no!
Kevan Ogden
Chester-le-Street, County Durham
• Your article on dog-friendly stays in the UK made me realise how hard it is for those who have an aversion to dogs, including allergies, to find somewhere dog-free to stay or eat.
I have a friend with a severe allergy who now finds it nigh-on impossible to book a hotel or B&B that accepts no dogs. Food and dogs don’t go together. I do not want a dog peeing against my table leg (yes, that really happened last week!) or sniffing my croissant. Surely, I am not alone in this?
Philippa Wadsworth
Buckfastleigh, Devon
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