Review of dog show on TV

Press, 4 March 1982, Page 16

Review of dog show on TV

Sir, — Like, many other members of the N.Z.K.C., I was disappointed with the television programme shown on the 1981 Tux National Dog Show. To have a critic write what Ken Strongman wrote in “The Press” (February 18), was the final straw. He not only showed a complete lack of taste and knowledge of the subject of dog showing, but his comments bordered on the slanderous. In general, he exceeded his role as a television critic and took the opportunity to slander and abuse a group of people whose only crime is a love of dogs. I do not challenge Mr Strongman’s credentials as a critic of television programmes, but I certainly challenge his right to write in the manner in which he did. Constructive criticism is always welcome, but not the sort of rubbish as was printed on February 18. I could take the article apart item by item, but space forbids. I would ask “The Press” to keep faith with its readers and publish, an apology as I feel this is certainly deserved. — Yours, etc., GARY DOYLE.

February 25, 1982. [Ken Strongman replies: “The programme highlighted the foolishness of some show dog owners and my review was directed accordingly,. saying that, in my eyes, it was a most unattractive 30 minutes. Perhaps Mr Doyle should write to TVNZ and suggest a balanceredressing programme on dogbreeding. I have little against dogs; and I have little against dog-owners, as long as they do not titivate their charges too much and destroy their natural dignity.”]