Madam, - I have recently been on holidays in the South of France and in Prague . In addition to the other attractions of these places I was struck by the numbers of dogs on the streets. This was particularly noticeable because of the absence of excrement on the pavements and the fact that I could walk through the streets unhindered by these dogs.
Apparently, it is only in Ireland that we must put up with the anti-social behaviour of some dog owners who have little interest in controlling their dogs or cleaning up after them. It is difficult to walk down a street or beach in Ireland without seeing dog excrement or being hassled by dogs, some of whose owners are nearby and unconcerned.
With the success of the smoking ban it is now time to address the behaviour of these lazy, selfish dog owners. - Yours, etc.,
J. BRIAN GILHEANY, Strandhill, Co Sligo.