A couple of letters in response to ‘Just keep your dogs home at night’ (Courier-Sun, Dec 5 online, Dec 12).
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Uncontrolled dogs
I would like to preface my complaints by stating that I am an animal lover and I have had a companion dog or two most of my life. I presently have a small old terrier cross who has a dicky heart and is on medication for cardiac failure. He came into my life as a stray 10 years ago and is very precious to me and my husband. He is walked twice a day on an extension leash and I always carry a supply of compostable waste bags for his droppings. He loves to visit the main shopping precinct but is never allowed to urinate on shop fronts or buildings. He is not aggressive towards other dogs or people and loves a pat if and when a passerby expresses an interest. He barks briefly to alert us to the arrival of visitors to our home but never barks incessantly. He hasn't been allowed to.
A few years ago he was attacked by a young male staffie that hadn't been desexed and was off leash. Luckily the owner was nearby and was able to restrain his dog before mine was torn apart. He still required treatment at the vet for his wounds.
In the last four weeks I have had large dogs escape the inadequate confines of their yards to bail us up on our morning walk. One was a large, juvenile but fully grown rottweiler that was only trying to play but was nevertheless capable of harming my frightened old fella. The owners were not at home and the dog was eventually restrained by the neighbours. It was distressing but rather than make a formal complaint to council, said neighbours were going to inform the owners on my behalf.
On our morning walk this Sunday, we were set upon by a large wolfhound that escaped the yard and endeavoured repeatedly to attack my dog. The incident was extremely terrifying as the dog would not back off and my screams for help eventually alerted some neighbours who came to our assistance. The same dog has apparently escaped the yard and attacked another small dog, as well as someone who was jogging past. The owner has been informed of these prior incidents but the dog has still not been adequately confined.
I would like to conclude with an appeal to all dog owners. Please don't take on a dog (or any animal) that you are not going be responsible for. Being a responsible dog owner includes more than a daily feed. If you love your dog, it includes giving it regular exercise, training and adequate health care. In the interests of the safety of the general public and your beloved pet, it also includes making sure that they are kept adequately restrained.
Genevieve Wells
Bellingen
Dogs and cats
Years ago, a farming neighbour in South Wales constantly warned a couple about their dog pestering his sheep, on several occasions. In the end, he shot the dog and dropped it over their front gate. End of problem!
There are also too many people in Bellingen letting their cats roam freely day and night. There was a white persian in my back garden last week and though I love cats they usually kill for fun and have decimated our wildlife. Keeping pets confined at night isn't a problem and it’s good for everyone. Or, give them up!
Dawn Lewis
Bellingen