Keep an eye on your dog? If only! Once again there has been a news item about out-of-control dogs and a reminder from police regarding dog owners’ responsibilities.

Only a few months ago I highlighted the growing problems in Monkton Park where so many dogs are exercised daily and most of them off their leads.

There was one considered response from dog owners who said they find mixing with other pet owners useful while sharing information and tips.

So what does one make of all the incidents still happening daily? The child in hysterics after a husky-type dog bounded up to him; the person who lets loose two unruly red setters and then proceeds with headphones clamped to ears, entirely unaware of where they are and what they are doing?

Worse by far was a truly amazing incident a few weeks ago when a small dog was let loose in the middle of a group of runners on a 10k run, through the park, with the inevitable result that mayhem ensued and at least one runner fell and was injured. Whatever sort of responsible dog ownership is that?

It seems that there may be a dog warden (mostly invisible) in existence and if Wiltshire Council won’t enforce a ‘Dogs on Leads’ policy then this person should patrol Monkton Park regularly and hand out leaflets and advice as necessary.

Name and address supplied