MR Joseph Beardsworth (LET, January 19) obviously he has a dislike for dogs. I feel very sad that Mr Beadsworth has never experienced the close bond of a dog and its owner.

I have had dogs for over 30 years and I have never been bitten by any one of them.

A dog will only bite for a reason i.e. it is being abused, plagued by children or protecting its young.

Also it will protect its owner's property and the owner should be responsible for this action i.e. by keeping the dog under control, also if the dog is ill or in pain.

Responsible dog owners clear up after their dogs.

Responsible dog owners also have their pets insured and this includes third party liability just in case the dog does bite.

In all my years of dog owning, my dogs have never bitten because they have been under control.

There is a saying there are no bad dogs, only bad owners of dogs.

Don't insult animals by saying someone is worse than an animal.

Give me an animal any day, rather than some of the so-called humans that inhabit this planet.

My dogs have given me years of fun, affection and loyalty.

Also they are a lifeline to many elderly people.

H HAMER, Lowther Place, Blackburn.