Has the ‘dog-friendly’ idea been taken too far?

IT’S true, the UK has gone dog-friendly mad (Letters). When we stayed at a hotel recently, my husband and I were woken by dogs barking.

I don’t want them in restaurants, cafes, pubs and shops. Everywhere now seems to have water bowls and dog biscuits. Our son has a learning disability and is terrified of dogs — if only more places were learning disability-friendly. We struggle now to find anywhere dog-free to eat or have a cup of tea, or go for a walk.

National Trust places ask for them to be kept on leads but most owners say: ‘Oh, he’s OK. He’s really friendly.’ Try telling that to my son, who would bolt across a busy road to avoid a loose dog.

I know they are loyal and trustworthy companions but they should not be allowed everywhere.

Name supplied, High Wycombe, Bucks. To THe reader who wondered if they were alone in thinking dog-friendly hotels, restaurants and shops a bad idea, I can only say, I really hope so. no one wants their ankles snapped at during breakfast but that is not the norm. Most dogs are much-loved companions, unquestioningly loyal and cleaner and better-behaved than most children who are allowed to run around as they please. It rarely happens but if a dog does have an ‘accident’, the owner is always mortified and runs around cleaning up and apologising profusely. Dogs can save lives in more ways than one, and are friendlier than a lot of human beings.

LISA eGAN, Brentwood, essex. I DON’T dislike dogs but because I have asthma, if I come into contact with one it is liable to cause breathing problems or even an asthma attack. My favourite cafe now has a ‘dogs welcome’ sign. I’d like to ask them, who pays your wages? It’s not the dogs.

JeAN COMBeN, Truro, Cornwall.