Sir,
Mr Derek G. Thomas, of Llanfilo, would be well advised to be careful who he chooses when challenging other members of the public who are going about their lawful business.
On several occasions I have been assured by Mr. Huw Miller, head of legal services, Pembrokeshire County Council, that dogs are permitted to run loose on any beach or part of a beach where a total dog ban is not in operation.
Confusion arises because the council is keen to erect 'No dogs allowed' notices, but fails to indicate with equal clarity where the restriction ends with a 'Dog exercise area' notice. Any 'Dogs on lead' notice refers to the approach to the beach; the animal can be released on reaching the beach.
I have been harassed in similar fashion on several occasions, usually at Saundersfoot, but my response is such that the dog-hating busy-bodies decide not to press the issue.
With regards to the perceived health problems to his two-year-old grandson, I refer Mr. Thomas to the Pet Health Council as the recognised authority on the subject. Their leaflets will explain that dog faeces on a beach is harmless, although admittedly most unpleasant, like the more health threatening human generated filth that is ever present on our beaches during the summer.
John H. Gillson,
Bracken Heights,
Mill Lane,
Narberth.