We all need to help dog wardens

I have, over the years, sought the aid of dog wardens and their various departments to deal with the behaviour of dogs in the immediate area I live in, where there is a well-kept green, used and misused by dogs and their owners or walkers.

There was a two-page coverage of North Tyneside Council’s latest efforts to deal with the ever-present dog problems, largely dog fouling, but also barking, dogs of all sizes being off-lead in public places, including pavements and footpaths, where they are often a hazard.

With large dogs not on leads coming up to a bus stop where elderly and/or disabled people may be waiting, the dog may well wish to greet a stranger in a way which could be dangerous.

Such behaviour is particularly evident at coastal promenades and the associated beaches during the summer season, and the rest of the year.

I have seen many contributions on dog hazards in past Feedback columns, and I have been made aware of Public Space Protection procedures by officers of the council, and their requirements to designate specific sites, as well as the more general regulations which can be called upon.

On the ground, such officers are very few, covering a relatively very large area. Their ability to deal with pavement and small green area spaces has to be very limited, and it is up to the public not to impose more work on the council by careless attitudes, dogs and anything else.

AM JOHNSON, Cullercoats