How I agree with Mrs A Gillespie of Ovingdean (Opinion, March 14).

I am lucky enough to live backing on to a park, where lots of people walk their dogs.

I am dismayed to see, particularly since the foot-and-mouth outbreak, when people cannot go into the countryside, a large number of people who quite happily watch their dog going to the toilet and then walk away, seemingly unaware of the mess they are leaving behind.

I have challenged a couple of people (and even given them poo bags), who looked at me as if I were insane but have picked it up, albeit grudgingly.

I love dogs and always clear up after mine - no, it's not a particularly pleasant thing to do - but if you don't like doing it, either don't have a dog or train it to do its business in your own back garden.

Please, all dog owners, old and young alike, think of other people - of the men who play football in parks on a Sunday, the older children and toddlers and their parents. Be responsible and clean up after your dog.

-L Card, Hove