PUNISH THE GUILTY

Having just sat down to read my April copy of Scottish Field I have mixed feelings regarding Crystal Chesters' article about dog control [Who let the dogs out?].

Whilst I agree that the numbers of irresponsible owners and 'problem' dogs are on the rise (I work in a veterinary practice and unfortunately see the result of their behaviour regularly) I do not agree that the responsible owners should be punished.

Most public parks have leash laws in place, particularly around playparks, which at the moment are largely ignored. Extending these laws, I feel, would have little to no effect.

Those irresponsible owners would likely also ignore any muzzle laws and requirements for licensing making them even less likely to seek help should their pet require it. There are still many dogs that are not microchipped even though that law has now been in force for two years. Many people who allow their dog to have pups do not realise that they are legally obliged to microchip them and register them with their details before they are rehomed at eight weeks old.

Dog parks, as in the USA, can actually fuel canine aggression as there are so many dogs crammed into a relatively small space.

Further legislation on dog control may well be required but it will be difficult to get those irresponsible owners to engage and comply.

Maybe we should look instead at tackling unscrupulous breeding practices and importation of dogs from abroad. If more dogs came from stable responsible breeding and were properly socialised from birth they would have more chance of growing into well rounded adult dogs. A. Smith, Fife