THANKS for writing about the inconsiderate behaviour of some dog owners.

I think the problem is that whereas in the recent past when one complained about dog owners one would be told it was just a small minority of inconsiderate owners that were the problem.

However it seems to me that times have markedly changed and the percentage of dog-owners that are inconsiderate seems to be increasing.

We live in Abbotts Ann and are retired and wish to keep ourselves fit by taking regular walks.

The problem is that what was a simply innocent and essential healthy activity has now become so stressful we find that often we cannot face it.

The issue isn’t so much the dog faeces although it has increased dramatically recently, but it is in my view an associated problem as well and that is dogs generally in public places that are uncontrolled and are not on a lead.

People seem to think that anything short of biting you is acceptable and we feel it isn’t.

As it happens we have been dog owners for most of our lives but now do not have any.

We are dog lovers. However a couple of years ago my wife was attacked and bitten by a dog while we were out walking and she is now nervous of dogs. If you ask owners to call their dogs back they become abusive. We have been called rude and dog haters.

During the winter I would say that around 50 per cent of our walks we return home covered in mud from dogs jumping up at us or dog dribble.

Owners simply laugh and think it uncivil if we object.

Our grandchildren were at a park recently feeding ducks, and the younger was jumped at from behind. He – a young toddler – was pushed into the pond and is now both terrified of both dogs and water.

There was not even an apology and one day something terrible will result.

It is our view now that things, like society in general, have changed.

Now it seems to us that too few dog owners are considerate, but sadly it is these inconsiderate dog owners that make things bad for all of us.

My wife and I wish that it was illegal to have dogs outside of privately owned property off their leads in public spaces at any time, except in clearly defined areas where it is permitted.

All we want to do is to go for a walk each day unmolested and without having to deal with the poo.

I think the majority feel that way.

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