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Dog owners have taken over our lovely square
• WHEN I entered the square where I live recently, a small dog went for my ankles and a large one tried to climb on my shoulders. I said “go away” and was shouted at by their owners: “You must have mental health problems if you don’t like dogs.”
Invariably, the gates to the gardens are shut and I have been told by dog owners: “We keep the gates closed to keep the dogs in.” The gardens are a public space so why should they be monopolised by dogs and their owners?
I saw a man with five dogs enter the gardens recently and someone has taken to sticking a twig in the lock of a gate, making it difficult to open (I have arthritis in both hands, wrists and fingers).
Over the 20 years I have lived here I have noticed the number of dogs and their owners increase. When I approached the council I was told I would notice a difference after new laws were implemented, but that was nearly a year ago and nothing has changed,
They suggested I join Friends of Barnsbury Square, but they are made up entirely of dog owners, so that makes no sense.
I do not have a garden and have been discouraged from sitting in the square by dogs fighting each other and intimidating remarks from dog owners.
I have noticed the lack of control by dog owners and have never seen a dog on a lead, despite notices on railings and gates requesting this.
Dog owners are not dog lovers otherwise they would find larger spaces to exercise their dogs. Islington Council renews flower beds and plants every year, which are destroyed by dogs soon after, wasting time and money.
I wonder why dogs and their irresponsible owners are free to do as they like while people like me cannot walk or sit in the square without being intimidated by dogs who are out of control or being shouted at by abusive owners?
This was a lovely square but dogs and their owners have made it difficult for those who just want to walk or sit there.
Dog mess continues to be a problem, both on pavements in the square and in the gardens. It is a danger to children who have as much right to be in the gardens as any dog.
Why not dog-free days when it is up to the owner to find an alternative for the dogs for which they are responsible?
ANNETTE TRICKITT
Barnsbury Square, N1
• I READ the letter (Where pedestrians tread carefully, February 27) having just returned home. It was exactly what I was thinking as I picked my way along Central Street, Finsbury, and into Fann Street.
You have to watch your feet all the time. What is Islington Council doing? What is the point of posters threatening fines if dog owners are utterly selfish? I feel owners deliberately let their dogs relieve themselves in the middle of the pavement. This is not a minor matter. I always take my shoes off as I come in, as they do in many foreign countries, but it is hard to ask visitors to do the same.
Name and address supplied
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