I don't want other people's squalling, snotty brats, yawping and bawling, shitting their nappies, and strewing food around around when I'm eating and drinking, Raggy, but the buggers insist on inflicting them on me and I'm obliged to tolerate them.

I'm as outraged by bad dog-owners as you and Steve, I get seriously pissed-off at dog-shit left lying around in the streets and other public areas, I'm annoyed by owners who see me with my dog on the lead but who still allow theirs to charge around free in inappropriate places.

But I get just as pissed-off at the litter, discarded food, broken glass, and other detritus strewn around by others - why do you reserve your venom for my dog when the streets and public areas of our towns resemble the council tip?

I get very angry when all owners and their dogs are tarred with the same brush, as you and Steve (two people whose views are usually so reasonable, and with whom I generally agree) insist on doing.

And why should I not be able to eat and drink with my dog lying quietly under my table disturbing nobody, just because the bloke across the way is an over-imaginative, squeamish moaner?

Give and take. Live and let live. The way forward.