Sir, Over the last few weeks there has been quite a few letters about dogs, with people claiming you have to love them or you hate them. I don't own a dog myself, although most of my friends do. I most certainly would class myself as a dog lover, but I too am getting fed up of irresponsible dog owners. I understand that dogs need to be off the lead to run about, but even though they may think their dog is friendly and adorable, I do not want it running up to me, trying to jump up on me, or sticking its nose up my skirt. I also don't want it to wee all over the sandcastle my son has spent time making and now can no longer play with. My son has special needs and, despite the fact most of my friends have dogs, is terrified of strange dogs. Something to do with the fact one bit him once on the hand. Shouting "Don't worry," he's quite friendly," doesn't stop him being scared, as that is what the lady shouted just before her dog bit him. Last year, while we were walking on one of Tenby's beaches, I was suddenly attacked by three Beagle dogs. They thankfully never bit me, just snarled, barked and stayed about a foot away, but I have never been so scared in my life. The older lady with them had no control over them. She said it was my fault. I was scaring the one, and the other two were just protecting the other one. I was scaring it because I was talking on my mobile phone. I was, in fact, asking my mother how my nan was after a doctor's appointment. I love the fact that for certain times of the year you can visit a dog-free beach at Tenby. I just wish the people who obviously flout the laws would be fined. At Easter this year, my sister went on holiday to Cornwall; she and my two nieces were on a dog-free beach when a dog wandered up to them. Both my nieces gave it a pat, then a dog warden came up and gave them an on-the-spot fine of £80. My sister had to explain it wasn't theirs. By fining those who don't obey the rules, Tenby would generate extra income to go towards the flowers in bloom, which help make Tenby so beautiful. At the beginning of September, before school started back, my son had gone onto North Beach to explore. I had told him there was still no dogs, so not to worry, and I stood on the promenade watching him. A young lady then proceeded to walk her Alsatian dog onto the beach. She then let him off the lead where he instantly raced over to the rocks where my son was exploring. He was absolutely terrified. Surely dog owners, and those of us who enjoy a dog-free beach, can get along together. Maybe if some of the irresponsible dog owners were fined, people would be more understanding to the many responsible dog owners who enjoy the opportunity to walk their dogs on the beach and clean up after them if they pooh anywhere around town.

(Name and address supplied).