I was appalled at these comments. If dogs were to be kept on leads at all times or banned as suggested from parks, how would people with assistance dogs (which certainly do not bite/give everyone fleas) exercise them?

It is not the dogs that are the problem, it is the people who own the dogs that should be more responsible and not spoil it for the rest of us.

I have seen dogs running around stupidly and the odd badly-behaved dog, but that is not the dog's fault, it is the owner who should have better control of their dog. These are the people that should not be allowed to have their dogs off a lead, not those who have dogs which are well-trained. A park is there to be enjoyed by all, not just people with children.

Sometimes, I do believe that some dogs are better behaved than some children. I have walked my dogs around Temple Newsam and Roundhay Park for many years (off lead!) and have seen children as young as seven or eight vandalising areas, drawing on walls and swearing at people. Also, have seen nappies left on the grass or even floating in ponds! This is a health hazard.

If I am in a café enjoying a drink after my walk, I don't want other people's children screaming at the side of me and likewise, I don't want to be pushed off of a path by an ignorant person with a pushchair. So this leaves the question, should children be banned from parks?

Miss N Johansen, Scholes


I AM sorry Mrs Holmes, you missed the point I was making. Not all dog owners are irresponsible, only the few who should not have dogs or children in the first place.

If you go to Leeds Championship Dog Show in Harewood House grounds this month, you might change your mind about "all dogs" being out of control when you see all the happy faces.

Any show dogs biting or with fleas, are disqualified by the judges and you will not see dog poo or soiled Pampers on the grounds left by these dog owners.

ROBERT HOLMAN, Headingley Avenue, Leeds