Bid to ban dogs appalling

I am utterly appalled at Shrewsbury and Atcham Borough Council's bid to introduce legislation preventing decent, law abiding, responsible dog owners from walking their dogs off the lead in public places.

Responsible dog owners would not be able to let their dogs exercise in places such as the Quarry and on the Seven Pitches, or, for many owners, on the playing fields near their homes.

I have had my dog for two and a half years and walk him twice a day, seven days a week whatever the weather.

I have met literally hundreds of dog walkers and they, almost without exception, are decent and responsible people.

Indeed, I am regularly stopped by families. Usually young children and their parents point out my dog and ask if they can touch him. I have never had anyone object to my dog being off the lead. In a vast number of places I have him on the lead anyway.

I wholeheartedly support legislation that deals with those who fail to pick up faeces, and I also welcome laws dealing with dangerous dogs. However this proposed legislation is picking on the thousands of owners and their dogs who cause no problems to anyone.

Furthermore, when out walking, often on my own, I witness people using disgusting language, spitting on people, shouting abuse, driving around the town at illegal speeds and generally being extremely anti-social.

Would it not be better if Shrewsbury & Atcham Borough Councillors spent time enforcing existing legislation to make the town a decent and pleasant place?

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