Dogs on beaches

I wish to comment on dogs running around on free beaches (Weekend Herald, June 8). What often happens is a dog owner arrives at a beach and immediately lets their dog off the leash. That dog takes off flat-out to join other dogs exercising in the water or running around by the water. That dog takes no notice of people enjoying a walk along the beach and, if it is a big dog, it can knock people over. A number of times I have experienced this and had to step out of the path of such a dog. I would suggest that dog owners walk their dogs down to the water’s edge and then let them off their lead. Some concerned dog owners do this, and I thank them. I am a dog lover and enjoy seeing dogs off their leashes, enjoying the beaches as I do, but there is a need for some owners to be more responsible. Eric Strickett, Henderson.