I HAVE never had the time to keep a dog.

Nevertheless I am fond of Man's Best Friend. I would have been delighted to have possessed one.

N K Chance asks if it is time to "get rid", not only of dogs, but it would seem their owners as well (You Say, June 17).

What exactly does he mean by this? Is he contemplating mass extermination of canines and owners?

Dogs bring pleasure to lots of people, especially children and the elderly. They are often a comfort to the bereaved as well.

Dogs also perform important tasks with the customs authorities, police and Armed Forces and on the farms. They are the eyes of the blind.

Of course, some dogs are trained to tear to pieces their fellow canines and first cousins - foxes. However, these companions of Man cannot be blamed for this. The humans, who train them, are the culprits.

D E MARGRETT,

Worcester.