On behalf of the dog walking community, I would like to appeal for a spirit of tolerance in the current discussion aboutdogsinHadenHill Park.

The overwhelming majority of dog walkers are very considerate of other people using the park.

Many of us have an attitude of ‘guardianship’ towards the park, andpickuplitter, report any fly tipping or overflowing bins and clear up after our own, and other people’s dogs, so that children can enjoy the park as much as we do.

I have been walking my dogs over many years at Haden Hill, and in my experience dogs that need to be on leads because they are not friendly, are already on leads.

Dogs, especially the larger breeds, need the opportunity to exercise off-lead. Keeping them on a lead is not an option.

Childrenshouldnotbe brought up to be frightened of dogs; indeed, most dogs are extremely gentle with children.

Dogs have been living alongside men for millennia and for good reason: dogs really are man’s best friend.

Mrs Maxine Tranter Corngreaves Road Cradley Heath