AS a person who has not owned a dog for quite a few years, I still take exception to what appears to be the harrying of dog owners over the matters of fouling.

According to an article in last Friday's issue of the Bury Times, fines of £1,000 are threatened. Even if such a fine could be inflicted it would be out of all proportion to the offence when much lesser penalties are imposed for stealing cars and other thefts, even street muggings. What is the fine, if any, for leaving a hypodermic needle? In recent years a silly hysteria has grown up about the public health problems associated with dog fouling, out of all proportion to the facts, and if the Council can afford the reported £120,000 it would be better to put the money to ensuring that all hypodermic needles, and even glass and tin cans were collected. I would be much more concerned if my child was cut by a tin or a bottle, or, God forbid, pricked with a needle, than if he got some dog dirt on his shoes.

I certainly agree that it would be be best if owners cleared up after their pets, but don't let us start to believe that dog dirt is akin to radioactive waste!

With the world as it is, with drug dealing and crime seemingly rampant in this town, do let us keep a sense of proportion about dogs.

HARRY EWINGS,

Keats Road,

Greenmount

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