Can we live in harmony with dogs? (From Your Local Guardian)

Can we live in harmony with dogs?

11:23am Thursday 13th November 2008 in

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I am not a dog owner nor do I particularly like dogs but I do think dog owners have the right to walk their dogs in Nonsuch Park without being treated as public enemy number one.

But there are some major provisos.

I also feel I have the right to enjoy a walk in Nonsuch Park without being snapped at, jumped at and generally intimidated by dogs whose owners do not appreciate that other people may not find Fido quite as enchanting as they do. An adult can feel quite threatened but it must be a truly frightening and traumatic experience for a child even if they are not bitten.

As for people who are bitten and pet owners whose dogs are savaged by out of control animals – they must be incandescent with rage that so-called animal lovers allow their pets to injure people and other animals without making any effective effort to control them.

The management of Nonsuch Park is in an unenviable position.

If they call for dogs to be kept on a lead in the park they will be pilloried for restricting the freedom of pooches in need of exercise. If they do nothing they will be accused of indifference.

If they call for a system of licences for dog walkers it would be unenforcable without paying out for dog wardens’ salaries, but surely someone somewhere can come up with a scheme so everyone can enjoy the park in peace and tranquility?

ANGELA DUFFIN
Stoneleigh