Public Opinion

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 79, Issue 281, 27 November 1936, Page 6

Public Opinion

; DOGS ON THE BEACH Sir, —I read with surprise a letter in this morning’s “Chronicle” complaining of dogs being allowed on the beach. It is quite evident that “John Citizen” is not a lover of those creatures known as man’s best friend; or is he one of those people who “like dog; in their proper place?” What is their proper place, that is the point? —Surely not chained to their kennels all day. They are restricted from town areas, unless on a lead, which is after all for their own safety, but what harm does an innocent dog taken down to the beach for a run do to anyjone? I am not, or course, referring Ito the vicious type of dog. Many 'owners take their dogs down to the beach for the express purpose of givling them the exercise which they are ! unable to get in the restricted areas around town. Surely there is enough space on the beach for both. Also, to | avoid the unpleasantness of having tones clothes and belongings stolen I (which invariably happens) a dog is ’taken and put on guard while the [owner is swimming. I strongly resent “John Citizen’s” attitude, and hardly' call it “public spirited” to slaughter innocent animals —hanging to my mind would be no humility. Is it not slaughter of the innocent? As “John Citizen" has such a ferocious nature, I suggest he use his much-talked-about gun and poison on the children, and alas adults, who make themselves a menace by throwing their lunch papers, crusts, fruit skins and bottles about the beach, which is, in my opinion, a far greater offence. —I anj, etc. “A DOG LOVER." Wanganui, Nov. 26, 1936.

Sir, —I would like to ask “John Citizen," who apparently is a doghater, what his objection is. After all, many dogs more than earn a living for themselves and their owners, and are the best friend a man has—all it asks is to stand by. The dog is entitled to live, and in order to keep healthy needs exercise, and a swim in the sea is most beneficial to health, and he values his life as much as any man does his. The owner pays f*r a licence and what privilege has he—under control in the town, not allowed in food shops (never mind the food that is exposed to dust, germs, flies). The beach is no man's property. and is far more enjoyable when there are not so many bathers about. Why, too, have food uncovered ? Those who do not own a dog don't know what a pa) they are missing, without any of man’s faults, and disgusting habits, referring to drunkards, who don’t mind being sick in shop doorways for another person to clear away. The film “Bugle Ann’s Voice” showed what a man would be for the dog he loved.—l am, etc., “ANOTHER DOG-LOVER.” Wanganui, Nov. 26, 1936. Sir, —Good dogs and unruly dogs, go on the beach, some controlled, some not. Most, however, behave. Good people, unruly people go to the beach, some are decent, some leave broken bottles, tins, and litter about, pass rude remarks and are generally obnoxious. Most, however, arc decent. A dog with a collar has a standing. It is bought for him by his owner, who by so doing accept responsibility for damage his dog may do, and he naturally keeps it controlled. Incidentally 1000 owners of registered dogs contribute £5OO yearly to city funds. I am sure John Citizen has a certain amount of argument in his favour, but he certainly is not a lover of dogs, nor do I think a dog would chum up to him.—i am, etc., “ANOTHER CITIZEN" Wanganui, Nov. 26, 1936.