Today’s letters to The Courier.
Sir, – Only four weeks ago, Sheriff Richard Davidson challenged our politicians to decide “whether dogs or children come first” when sentencing the owner of rottweilers which savaged a 10-year-old in Dundee in 2010.
Now, a Japanese akita has mauled an 11-year-old in Inverurie, following three similar attacks by akitas in the past two years.
Neither breed is on the list of banned dogs.
In December, an American pitbull cross ran wild in a block of flats in Leith, leaving five people in hospital. Similar attacks are reported regularly from all over the United Kingdom.
Apart from Sheriff Davidson, it is left to Mrs Veronica Lynch (whose daughter was savaged to death in 1989 by two rottweilers) to campaign for controls on such dogs to be greatly strengthened.
Christine Grahame MSP’s Control of Dogs Act is clearly unfit for purpose, just as the original Dangerous Dogs Act did not go nearly far enough.
Maybe, as the Akita Club secretary avers: “In the right hands the dogs are perfect”; but we all know that they all too often end up unmuzzled and in the wrong hands.
There are so many clubs for these breeds that one wonders how many such potential killer breeds there are out there.
In any case, why should anyone want, or be entitled, to own a dog weighing up to 10 stones with jaws strong enough to bite through human bone?
John Birkett.12 Horseleys Park,St Andrews.
Leaving UK won’t solve CFP problem
Sir, – SNP MEP Ian Hudghton rails against the consequences of the EU Common Fisheries Policy and suggests leaving the United Kingdom will supply the answer.
But hey isn’t the fact we must fall in line with the CFP a consequence of being members of the European Union?
Just think what could achieved if we withdraw politically from the EU and sign a trade agreement, which was what the Common Market, as it was then known, was all about or so we were told.
We could at a stroke regain our traditional fishing grounds and as a bonus, get out of the jurisdiction of the European Court of Justice which overrules Scottish law.
Forget the European Court of Human Rights, then we will be able to:
Stop importing millions of foreign workers when millions are unemployed in this country. Deport foreign terrorists who want to kill us.
That’s not bad, is it? Unfortunately, the SNP can never achieve independence or any of the benefits mentioned, committed as they are to EU membership.
George Cormack.Aberdour,Fife.
Humans pose more flood risk
Sir, – Give the beavers a break. When it comes to distroying our countryside, humans are the worst.
We complain about flooding while we allow trees to fall in our rivers to rot and cause blockages.
The river South Esk at Brechin used to be dredged, but not now so flooding.
Scottish Natural Heritage does nothing to help by having to check the river for mussels before the mess can be cleared. This costs thousands and a great deal of time, and meanwhile the situation gets worse.
Forfar will be next as the powers that be have decided that the Dean Water has to be left to allow the reeds and silt to close the natural drainage from Forfar Loch.
The vegetarian beavers seem to be happily pruning the willows and causing little trouble on our waterways.
While at some great expense the “flying barn doors” sea eagles are encouraged to stay here and they are NOT vegetarians just ask the sheep farmers.
Mary Conacher.Balgowan Place,New Alyth.
Trump entitled to his opinion
Sir, – In connection with Mr Lightband’s excellent letter (February 11) on the subject of political obstinacy regarding power generation may I comment on your political journalist’s unnecessary remarks about Donald Trump’s concerns.
Having read Mr Trump’s letter to the First Minister his comments are totally relevant and it is to his credit he has been prepared to forward a letter directly to Mr Salmond.
As Mr Trump has invested a large amount in this project, he is justified in expressing his concern.
It is worth remembering that golf, particularly in Scotland, has always been an important activity and is much more entertaining than having to observe revolving windmill blades.
Harry Lawrie.35 Abbots Mill,Kirkcaldy.
Great to hear we’re so rich
Sir, – It was heart-warming to read of the new-found wealth in Scotland. I am only surprised it hasn’t been shouted from the roof of the Scottish Parliament.
No more pensioners freezing to death, no more youth unemployment.
I mean, if we can afford to give Malawi £1.7 million to help them combat their climate change, obviously we have millions to spare for our own people.
Bill Duthie.25 St Fillans Road,Dundee.
Worth a go
Sir, – We have yet again witnessed a council budget cutting away our services due to lack of funds, and yet again there seems to be little new ideas to generate new income.
I suggest the council follows the lead of the taxi trade and starts advertising on its vehicles. Even if this only raised a couple of hundred pounds a year per vehicle this would be enough to pay for that vehicle’s tax and MOT.
Allan Petrie.109 Blacklock Crescent,Dundee.
Get involved: to have your say on these or any other topics, email your letter to letters@thecourier.co.uk or send to Letters Editor, The Courier, 80 Kingsway East, Dundee DD4 8SL. Letters should be accompanied by an address and a daytime telephone number.