Why does man’s best friend have to suffer?

Sir, – Once a week I take my neighbour’s dog, Millie, for a morning walk around Riverside Nature Park.

It is a beautiful area which I call Dundee’s best kept secret. There is a peace and tranquillity there that is a credit, yet again, to the vision of our city fathers and Millie loves it.

I understand that there is a move afoot to bring about a rule of “dogs must be kept on leads”. One of the reasons is to protect the wildlife that is being encouraged to inhabit the area – for the birds really.

Man’s best friend, yet again, takes a hit. You can look no further for a creature that is loyal and faithful, that greets you when you are down, that cheers the elderly and frail, the grief-stricken and the teenager dashing in after being spurned by a boyfriend.

Our four-legged friend seems to instinctively know when to snuggle up, wag a tail or sit quietly by your side.

In the future does it mean I have to keep shy sheepdog Millie on her lead instead of letting her free to sniff and run and roll in the grass with such glee?

We breed birds for shooting, we re-introduce sea eagles that kill the farmer’s new-born lambs and we are thinking of bringing back wolves.

Who decides what needs protecting and what does not?

Usually Mother Nature is left to decide – it is cruel but it works. After all, should we put the birds of prey on leads and the evil-eyed crows?

They destroy more nests than my gentle companion Millie, who repays me for her leadfree walk with a run that makes her fur coat gleam with the movement of her freedom and with a bark and roll in the long grass. And not once has she returned with a gift of a dead chick or rabbit. Barbara Sturrock. Invergowrie Drive, Dundee.