Letter: Where dog owners are responsible - lot their dogs run free

SIR – In response to your recent article about a call for dogs to be kept on leads in the New Forest (A&T, 12th August) let me first say there are many situations where I would agree. For example, if the dog has poor recall, a strong chase drive or aggressive tendencies.

However, for those owners who are responsible enough to make a good decision, when they have a suitable dog with suitable training, I strongly feel we need to defend their right to let the dog run free.

If we truly want to protect the New Forest from potential disturbances, contamination, damage or stresses then there are any number of activities we could stop doing.

We could stop people walking, cycling and horse riding, for example. We could stop children running, climbing and paddling.

There are many ways to protect the New Forest but at some point you have to question how far you go.

Surely balance is much more beneficial than protecting an area so enthusiastically it becomes a waste ground of inactivity and poverty?

Surely our ultimate goal has to be finding balance? To have enjoyment of this wonderful landscape and all the activities it brings whilst investing in and protecting its future so that enjoyment can be had for generations to come.

By increasing the support for and enforcement of mitigation strategies that we know will have an impact, we can achieve our goals without further restrictions.

By forcing people to pick up their litter and dog poo, enforce restrictions in bird nesting areas and educate people about the risks of interfering with the wildlife we can make progress without making life truly miserable for all the people who want simple enjoyment of the New Forest.

What a long and miserable life we could live if we give up everything that has the potential to cause disruption to the Forest. Instead we should all focus on improving our behaviour and living in harmony.

Charlotte Berryman,

Burley