The police certainly seem to have a problem concerning dogs.

First was the unfortunate case of Bruce the police dog - sorry, property - who was needlessly put down. Now we have a police spokeswoman apparently condoning a guide dog being kicked.

Does this mean the police agree it is okay for anyone to abuse a dog enjoying a bit of freedom off the lead? If Nash was being a problem, surely there was a better way to deal with it? This sends out another message that thuggish behaviour is acceptable and people have no obligation to keep violent tempers under control. What a sad society we live in.

-Elisabeth Cole, lis.cole@virgin.net