I HAVE never written in response to any of your letters before but so incensed am I by Mr Tarplett's letter that I felt impelled to do so on this occasion.

Mr Tarplett please do not tar all dog owners with the same brush. I own a border collie and whenever she is taken out I always have a poop scoop with me and clear up after her. My daughter is the owner of two border collies and she too also takes a poop scoop wherever she goes with them. I have numerous friends with dogs, all of whom use poop scoops.

Don't mistake me, I do agree that there are many people who abuse the rules and I have noticed that wherever cars are parked on the hills and commons many people just let their dogs out to foul and then just turn a blind eye. I too think it is disgusting.

I am saying to Mr Tarplett, do not penalise those responsible owners who love their dogs, the hills and commons and the wonderful walks. To some of us our dog is our only companion.

Maybe the dog wardens (in the town) and the Conservators could clamp down and fine those people who flout the law and then maybe more people would take the problem seriously.

MRS CHRISTINE PENTER, Ledbury.