DESPITE pleas by the local authority and the public at large it appears that the message to dog owners has fallen on deaf ears.

Sidewalks are still littered with dog faeces while parks are becoming a no go area. Let's face it, if you own a dog you should also own a home equipped with space large enough for Fido to go for a run, or at least enjoy some fresh air.

If you, as the owner of a doggie, cannot provide this why should your fellow citizens and taxpayers be expected to subsidise the clean ups of public land and sidewalks so that your precious canine 'children' can roam free. I believe that public green spaces in the towns such as parks should be dog free completely.

There are many people who are intimidated by dogs (of any size) and do not feel comfortable in their presence - also the domestic animals are a penny a dozen.

They are not exotic, they do not exist as part of the natural fauna of this town. I personally can live without the sound of barking, whining and tip-toeing through the grass while at a park.

I believe that these militant owners who show up on public park spaces and sidewalks for their canines to sniff other dogs behinds should give their heads a good shake.

Parks in towns should be for people and wildlife not for 'doggie children' and 'companions'.

Please keep your dogs at home where pets belong, if your home does not have the space your doggie needs then move. Just a suggestion.

W.T. of Garswood (name and address supplied)

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