Do I need to move abroad to enjoy a dog's life
THANKFULLY so many of your readers responded to the defence of dogs, one expects and hopes for more feasible solutions to Camden s unacceptable proposals for dog restrictions. The last 20 years have seen growing restrictions on the places where we can tak
THANKFULLY so many of your readers responded to the defence of dogs, one expects and hopes for more feasible solutions to Camden's unacceptable proposals for dog restrictions.
The last 20 years have seen growing restrictions on the places where we can take our dogs for normal social life - to the extent that simply keeping even one dog has become problematical in social life.
No dogs in shops - why? How can a dog's feet on the floor pollute wrapped goods, often sweets, kept on shelves above eye-level? Daily I see fruit and vegetables displayed outside shops on busy roads. These must absorb metal pollution just as grass does on the verges on major roads.
Dogs are legally permitted in restaurants and pubs, but because people think they are not, they don't take their dogs with them - even though the saliva of a dog is healing, and scientific surveys have proven that dogs bring good health and happiness and longevity to those who are fortunate enough to keep them.
For the dogs themselves, where can they go? Must they remain tied outside shops in cold winds or scorching heat? Dogs tied outside are at risk of being stolen. Dogs left in cars suffer from dehydration and can die, as well as being stolen.
Years ago Harrods provided free kennels in their basement for the dogs of customers. The multi million pounds which today's major retail stores and supermarkets make could surely provide similar facilities for today's dogs. Dogs left alone at home lead bored lonely lives, which is unkind.
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Which should I choose, to rehome my charming happy dog - unthinkable - or to join the exodus of British dog owners living in France, where life is still normal for dogs?
This would mean leaving my family and grandchildren behind, and the country of my ancestors for which they, and I, have fought in both world wars.
Britain, which breeds so many dogs, has exploited them and is now intolerant of them, to the point of absurdity.
MEG MATTINSON
Fortis Green, N2
