SIR — There are some enthusiastic people endeavouring to bring in a ruling that would forbid any dog owner from letting their dog off the lead in any public park.

Blenheim Gardens is presently a dog free zone; in an earlier letter I brought to attention the fact that this ruling was being ignored by an increasing amount of dog owners. The situation has now improved.

The lower Parks Walk has been available to dogs on leads but the upper Parks going towards the Woodcombe area has been an area where dogs are given unleashed supervision by their owners – with the accompanying regulation of cleaning up after one's dog.

Another area where dog have for years been allowed more exercise is the Culvercliffe Walk and, of course, the beach (during permitted months).

Apparently fears have been raised by unprovoked attacks taking place on leashed dogs by unleashed dogs - in other words, dogs who should have been muzzled have provoked a totally unrealistic over reaction.

If the proposed legislation is passed it will be in total disregard to the general well-being of dogs who physically and mentally need time to really stretch their muscles running and jumping. Frustrated dogs are more likely to be triggered into aggressive and antisocial behaviour.

Please let common sense prevail – just for once.

Caroline Phillips,

Mount Royal,

Minehead.