The problem with Britain's dog obsession | Letters

Unleashed dogs in public highways and indoor venues can trap people and trigger panic attacks, especially when owners do not use leads. Dog-free access is requested for individuals with severe dog allergies that can overwhelm asthma medication, with preventive drugs carrying significant side effects. There is a call for dog-free places, including planes, to reduce exposure risk. Additional demands include banning dogs from any public area where food is sold, prepared, or eaten. Enforcement is proposed through a reinstated, high-priced dog licence ringfenced to fund dog wardens. The overall focus is on responsible ownership and clear public rules for where dogs are allowed.

"I have had a phobia of dogs since childhood and can't get past an unleashed dog. This causes me a problem every couple of years, but in the last week I've twice been inconvenienced by thoughtless owners who don't see the need for a lead while walking dogs on public highways. The first time I was trapped in a restaurant until the staff managed to persuade the owner to move (my panic attack alerted them to the problem), and a day or two later it was a market stallholder who was letting a dog run loose."

"I suffer from a serious dog allergy, sometimes so severe that my trusty asthma spray simply can't cope. No matter how friendly, how lovable, how cute, if it's a dog with a standard dog's coat, I can't risk being near it. Yes, there is a prophylactic drug to prevent the worst attack, but that has quite severe side effects. Surely there must be some dog-free places and surely they should start with planes?"

"Dogs do not belong in any public place where food is sold, prepared or eaten. Bring back the dog licence, priced at a high rate and ringfenced to pay for dog wardens enforce it. Have an opinion on anything you've read in the Guardian today? Please email us your letter and it will be considered for publication in our letters section."

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