Dear Sir,

This letter is for all the people who walk with their dogs off lead or do not have their dogs secured properly at their home and allow them to roam about loose.

There are many on the island that have highly trained dogs and still walk them on the lead — because it’s the law!

So don’t think you are special or your dog is smarter than all the others.

Here are some reasons why your dog should be on a leash or not be allowed to roam free:

1, Someone might have had a bad experience with a dog and have a fear of them. They should be able to walk where you walk and feel safe. It is their right

2, If your dog meets an aggressive dog and they get close very quickly, your dog most likely will get mauled. It has happened — in very nice neighbourhoods, too, I should mention

3, Your dog can be run over, also injured too badly to get back home. It has happened

4, Your dog can be stolen to be sold or used as bait in a dog fight. It has happened

5, They could eat something toxic, such as rat poisoning or rotten food. It happens often

If you decide to continue to flout the law and the dog wardens take your dog, it can sit in their kennels for months before your case comes to the courts. There are always consequences for your actions.

I would not feel sorry for you, but I would feel sorry for your dog; that they have owners that don’t love them enough to keep them safe.

Good dog, bad owners.

PAT BRANCO

Pembroke