IT WAS with great sadness I read of Wes the cat being mauled by dogs. I own a cat and dog and can understand how devastated the family must feel for something so tragic to have happened that could have been avoided.

Site hounds such as greyhounds see cats as prey. Why were they not muzzled if loose or just on a lead? I do not let either of my dogs loose anywhere unless it is a secure enclosed area.

My reasons? One dog does not like every dog he meets and the other, I know, would chase cats, foxes, deer etc. They are trained and relatively well behaved, however they are animals and can be unpredictable so I will therefore not risk human or animal welfare. Unfortunately us dog owners are far too complacent.

I hear it every day: “He is just saying hello, playing etc”.

The fact is, until your dog is trained to an exceptionally high standard, achievable by very hard work and training that must be maintained, theywe do not usually put the work in and therefore, our dogs can be a risk to others. Use your loaf – consider your surroundings and others, whether human or animal, and be considerate. Not everyone likes dogs and some are frightened.

By all means restrict where dogs can be exercised loose but please, please please, give us some places that are secure. They do not need to be large, just somewhere we can exercise our dogs with everyone being safe.

We had such an area on Canterbury Close which volunteers cleaned up, planted trees, added seats, mowed, fenced and provided a poo bin (the council would not provide one) but unfortunately it was closed it down as apparently there was too much noise.

Whenever I used it I could only hear traffic.

I am starting to feel like a minority in Weymouth for being a considerate dog owner.

I have found Devon & Cornwall to be far more dog friendly when I have been on holiday there. They provide exercise areas, sheltered parking at attractions and place poo bins at frequent intervals.

Samantha Howe

Cobham Drive

Weymouth