No doubt laws will be ignored

I read with interest your correspondent’s opinions on dog fouling.

He appears to infer dogs are entitled to unrestricted freedom and enjoy rights on an equal basis to human mortals. I would challenge his hypothesis on the grounds that as dogs do not have the capacity to accept responsibilities for their behaviour, therefore are not entitled to enjoy the same privilege of rights.

The disgusting mess all around Hastings left by these filthy animals and their dogs, indifferent to the revulsion caused is testament that a dog, however meticulously trained, left to its own devices will defecate and urinate as bodily functions dictate, without the ability to appreciate such actions cause far-reaching resentment against all dog owners.

In many areas of Hastings it is now impossible to walk a small child without the constant worry of harassment by a dog some distance from its owner, as it follows its self-motivated unwanted craving for contact.

Any dog of off the lead in these circumstances is not under control and represents a perceived danger to a defenceless toddler. Your correspondent should not forget that children under the age of nine accounted for the 1,159 dog attack victims in 2014-2015, and 13 of 21 deaths were children. As with their excrement, spontaneous attacks on children by these canines are caused by those many owners who cannot be bothered to adhere to a basic understanding of their charge.

Controlling the few will always inconvenience the many, though I fear your correspondent has little reason to worry. Without deterrent legislation, the powerful dog lobby and lack of resources will cause any council action to be ignored and result in only maintaining the status quo.

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