Letters: I don't know your dog - so please keep it on a lead

SIR – On my regular walks around the Milford-on-Sea area I have noticed that many dog owners are walking their dogs off the lead, even in the streets.

Many of these dogs are beautiful, well-behaved animals. But they can be exuberant and lively and I, for one, sometimes feel uneasy as they approach me, at times in groups, and bound around me.

The owners may say, “Do not worry, they are friendly", but I still feel unsafe unless I know the dog.

On a narrow path such as the sea wall at Keyhaven or the coastal raised path between Keyhaven and Lymington, it is sometimes difficult to get out of the way, not to mention the worry of being knocked over and injured.

One of my friends was bumped into by a large lively springer spaniel on the coastal path, and sustained torn ligaments in her leg which, so far, have taken 12 weeks to heal, and she is still unable to walk normally.

The casual reaction from the dog owner was alarmingly insensitive and dismissive.

I do think it is a shame that dogs cannot always run free, but in our crowded area, given the ageing population, (and at holiday times, small children) it is just not acceptable for dogs to be let off the lead.

Name and address supplied