THE weather has been lovely recently, so instead of running on my treadmill, last Thursday March 1, I decided to go for a run around Tavistock park, Meadowlands.

All was going well until a black bull terrier/pit bull-type dog came running at me barking and snarling. It wasn't doing it in a friendly manner either, it looked really vicious.

I'm terrified of dogs because my daughter was attacked by one when she was a little girl, so I was really scared. I stopped and stood completely still until the owner called it off. Then I shouted at her to put it on a lead, which she did.

I have spoken to a gentleman at Tavistock Town Council, who told me dogs should be on a lead if being walked around Meadowlands, so the owner of the dog that ran at me, was obviously ignoring all the signs that are apparently up everywhere.

What will it take for people to do as they are asked — a child being attacked? That could result in a complete ban on dogs, so come on owners, please act responsibly!

I'm going back to my treadmill, which is a shame. Why should I be forced indoors because of an irresponsible dog owner?

Dog owners, please take note. You are not the only ones who like to walk out in the fresh air. Please have the courtesy to put your dog on a lead when you are anywhere there are other people.

You may love your dog, but other people might not! And no matter what you say about it being gentle, it's still an animal and as such can be unpredictable. Keep it on a lead for other people's safety.

To cap it all, I have just had to try to avoid walking in a long line of dog excrement that another irresponsible owner didn't bother to clean up — what is the matter with people nowadays?

Tina Burton

Garden Lane

Tavistock