Published: 20 April, 2012

• IT appears there is a lot of confusion and even anti-dog attitude coming from Highbury Fields Association and Mary Pachnos, of Myddelton Square (Petition calling for dog walkers to be allowed to let pets run free leads to opposition, April 6, Animal affliction, April 13).

So I shall try and make things clearer.  

There are three fenced-off areas in Highbury Fields, plus the nursery.

All have a “no dogs allowed” rule operating.

On top of this there is the main field but in the summer this field is impossible to use to exercise our dogs. We could, but it would be unfair to other park users.

Incidentally, last year three dogs were hit by cars, two of which were killed, around the Fields.

We are asking for one of the fenced-off areas to be used for exercising and most importantly training our dogs to be obedient off the lead.

But we do not want a dog park or a dog toilet and we are not trying to “inflict” our dogs on people.

We are trying to do the opposite.

The field in question is hardly used even in the hot summer months as it is in the shade.

Dog owners pay taxes and have as much rights as anyone else.

That many have to travel outside Islington to find a space safe to play with our dogs is shameful.

Of course, if you are happy with our pooches stealing your food, defecating and cocking a leg near where you are eating, then by all means oppose this petition and stop complaining about our dogs.

VIC BRADFORD
Petition for dog area at
Highbury Fields