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Re: “Howling for higher dog-bite fines,” Editorial, June 14.

It won’t matter if the fine is $1,500, $15,000, or $50,000 — as long as there are careless owners, people will be bitten. As a dog lover who frequents dog parks, it is shocking to me how many people have so little control over their dogs. It is common to see an owner just wailing their dog’s name for minutes, trying to get the dog’s attention, as well as people chasing their wandering dogs, who do not respond to their feeble commands.

Dog ownership is a privilege that is horrendously abused. It sickens me to see so many people being dragged around by pets that in many cases are obviously bought based on esthetic value and breed popularity, with a lack of understanding of those breeds’ needs and social cues.

Dogs require a well-established pack hierarchy to keep them in control. From what I have seen, most peo- ple do not understand this concept and think taking the dog for a walk and keeping it fed is all a dog needs. This is horribly misguided and understated.

I believe the mandatory licence and fee for dog ownership should include successfully completing a dog behaviour and needs course, as well as obedience lessons. The fee should be about $500; it would deter any spur-of-the-moment buyers, and be reasonable to any serious dog owner. This would keep many pets out of the pounds and shelters, or from being put down by owners who had no clue what they were doing before they bought a dog, as well as hold owners more accountable for owning an animal that can harm people if poorly raised.

Jeff Papa, Calgary