SIR — Re C Bruford's letter (Free Press February 19), whilst fining dog owners for not clearing up their animals mess would help with this nuisance, I agree with the writer that the real problem is with the owners.
Too often they do not keep their dogs under control when out walking them, leaving them to run loose on Watchet's memorial ground and, more seriously, on farmland where sheep are grazing.
In the latter, the farmer has a right to shoot any dog annoying his animals, and it is a pity that the same law cannot be used elsewhere.
I say this because I was made blind in one eye because of an owner who did not bother to clear up after his animal, and that was over 65 years ago.
The pain and difficulty this has caused me over the years is not to be minimalised.
At first my blindness could not be traced to any reason then known, but just over two years ago I went for one of my regular eye tests, and beacuse of breakthroughs in technology and the now lower costs to make this more available, it was confirmed that indeed my blindness was due to dog faeces when I was four years old.
When this happens there is no cure.
So, dog owners, just think what one reckless action on your part can do.
Never let your dog loose on any playing field or where children play, the street etc, and certainly never on farmland.
To councils I would say ban dogs from all sports and playing fields. After all, blindness is not the only serious problem that can result.
D W Brown,
Risdon Road,
Watchet.