Dog-owners representation, Letter of the Week

Re Most dog attacks hushed up: Expert (News, April 28).
Anecdotally I would say there is a big problem with out-of-control dogs in this town.
I am very cautious where I exercise my dog and I'm sure the rest of the dog-owning community feels the same.
I have heard countless tales of walkers, runners and dog owners who have been set upon by out-of-control dogs. What is to be done about the proliferation of these dangerous breeds?
Another issue is where do the responsible owners go to safely exercise their dogs in this city without the risk of being attacked by a pitbull cross mongrel that has never been properly handled?
I suggest that the city council, which gladly collects our dog registrations, needs to finally give the dog-owning community of this city the representation we are entitled to and sets about developing a number of fenced parks so that we are able to exercise our dogs in safety.
After all if we can fund the nice new bowling greens at the Mount or build a multi-million-dollar pipeline to nowhere why can't we dog owners get back a little of what we put into this city too?
I challenge the Tauranga City Council to respond.
(Abridged)
Steve Callagher, Greerton
This week's letter will receive a complimentary Lotto ticket from Tauranga City Lotto shop, 44 Grey St.