Letter: Enjoy Your Dogs But Show Consideration and Take Responsibility

Published on: 24 May, 2020
Updated on: 24 May, 2020

Swan injured in dog attack

From Barry Williams

In response to: Swan Attacked By Dogs At Riverside Nature Reserve

The failure to keep dogs under control also extends to our urban streets. I live close to the town centre and river and the foot and cycle traffic in our dead-end road has increased significantly since the bridge at Tumbling Bay Weir and the full towpath route have been closed.

Obviously, at this time there are many more walkers, joggers, cyclists and dog owners venturing into their usual circuit, as part of their much-needed exercise. This is reasonable and understandable.

What is not reasonable is a lack of respect for one’s community as the amounts of litter and food waste thrown into our gardens, plus the dog mess left on our grass verges will testify. It is also not uncommon for unleashed dogs to have balls thrown along the road for them to chase, with the result that young kids get scared, cyclists get knocked off bikes, and our plants and gardens get damaged by dogs running free.

Free-running dogs have also been seen in the Shalford water meadows near to the small herd of cattle that are found there. This is just too stupid for words.

Enjoy your dogs, enjoy your walks but show some consideration and ownership responsibility whether that walk and exercise be in town or country. And keep safe.

Responses to Letter: Enjoy Your Dogs But Show Consideration and Take Responsibility

Sara Tokunaga Reply

May 24, 2020 at 5:22 pm

The attack on the swans was appalling as is the disgusting behaviour of some dog owners who refuse to pick up any mess their dog makes.

However, as a responsible dog owner, I would like to add cyclists to the pest list. On frequent occasions I have been forced into the road by adults cycling on the pavement, expecting me to get out of their way. Many elderly neighbours have also experienced this. As far as I am aware, pavements are for pedestrians, unless they are designated as dual-purpose, and I am still a pedestrian when I am walking my dog.

I have received some abuse from cyclists because I have not moved out of their way quickly enough and been told my dog “looks dangerous”, she’s a very friendly Staffie. Had these cyclists been on the road where they belong they would not have encountered my dog in the first place. So, it would be good if everyone showed some respect for everybody else. Not all dog owners are irresponsible, idiots come in all shapes and sizes and some of them are on two wheels.