THANK heavens the city council is finally attempting to crack down on errant dog owners (Mail, January 14).

All right-thinking folk will only be delighted that those selfish individuals who allow their animals to foul our pavements, or run amok in our parks and recreation grounds, will be belatedly brought to task.

The measures proposed are very mild, however, and are unlikely to solve the problem entirely, which makes it all the more shocking that they have been opposed by the likes of the Kennel Club. That this once respectable organisation is now, effectively, sticking up for slovenly louts is a disgrace.

Its spokesman Bill Lambert said the new orders would affect responsible dog owners. But how can that be so? The club should think hard about who it is defending, and if it can’t talk sense, should muzzle itself.

G HUSBAND North Oxford