WE are regarded by the rest of the world as nation of dog lovers - but in the past few years owners have had to learn that with relationships come responsibilities.

Penalties against people who allow their pets to foul pavements and parks have been vigorously enforced.

And it is to their credit that so many owners now carry poop scoops and bags with them so that the risk of playing youngsters catching awful diseases is minimised.

Dog wardens, and the fear of them, have also ensured that the numbers of dogs running wild around housing estates has been considerably reduced.

And since so many people have changed their attitudes the exemplary nine month prison sentence given to Burnley dog owner Jacqueline Cox is not really surprising.

Seven-year-old Sam Leverett faced a truly horrific ordeal as he was savagely attacked by a pack of dogs who caused 27 puncture wounds and cuts to his body.

The memory and scars of that nightmare will remain with him for life.

If it hadn't been for the bravery of others he might not now even be alive.

Some may say jail was too tough a sentence because Ms Cox was not there when the attack happened.

But it's precisely because she allowed dogs to run wild that it is justified as a lesson to her and others that if their dogs go out the owners must go with them.