SIR - Re dog fouling. I am writing in response to the front page article of the Hitchin edition regarding Mr Jones and dog fouling on King George s playing fields. He refers to a group of people who regularly gather to walk their dogs and let their dogs

SIR - Re dog fouling. I am writing in response to the front page article of the Hitchin edition regarding Mr Jones and dog fouling on King George's playing fields.

He refers to a group of people who regularly gather to walk their dogs and 'let their dogs run unsupervised' thus suggesting that those people are not picking up after their dogs.

I meet up with them very occasionally but I do know them all very well. They are all responsible dog owners who make sure they pick up after their dogs and will indeed point out to others in the group if their dog needs clearing up after it. I wonder what evidence Mr Jones has that makes him believe that it is those people?

When he walks his dog he will not so much as look at you or your dog or indeed say a friendly 'hello' which most dog owners do. So unless he hides in bushes or films them from afar, he has absolutely no right to even suggest it. If he did watch them he would know those particular people are completely innocent. The group of people he refers to are the sweetest, kindest most considerate people who love their dogs to the point that they would not leave their faeces around as they would not want their dogs to have a bad name. They look out and care for each other and each others dogs.

On the subject of fouling on King George's - what about the language of the rugby players when I have been there playing with my children? What about the half eaten oranges and plastic juice bottles that they leave afterwards - would that make front page news?

The broken glass that us dog owners and parents have to repeatedly avoid that litters the grass and pavements around King George's should be front page news. The litter in the smaller field left after a teenage party, glass broken purposely on the slide in the park waiting for a small child to lose an eye. The dog owner who does indeed pick up after their dog then 'displays' the full bags at the far end of the field on bushes and trees or on the grass. What is the point of that?

Mr Jones really shouldn't be allowed to make accusations like that - he has just presumed it is their dogs. Is it a form of jealousy? Does his dog's faeces come ready wrapped? They could make accusations about him!

Do not tar us all with the same brush Mr Jones, we love our dogs and we have consideration and respect for most living things in general (with some exceptions). So live and let live Mr Jones, let your dog socialise and you never know, you might be able to as well!

NAME AND ADDRESS

SUPPLIED

SIR - Surely Mr Jones is aware that dogs like to socialise? When responsible owners allow their unleashed animals to walk and run together naturally, the owners go with them separately or in groups, ever vigilant and conscientiously clearing away any mess from their pets and depositing in the nearest dog litter bin.

Dog lovers love to chat together, (mostly about our four-legged friends), however, they continue to watch for broken glass thrown by irresponsible drinkers, yet another hazard for rugby players and dog paws. Not to mention other unmentionables.

All users of these playing fields should appreciate the facilities by using them sensibly and helping to maintain a high standard of safety and cleanliness.

ANNE REED

Heathfield Road

Hitchin