I refer to Ian Searle’s letter, August 18, regarding irresponsible dog owners.

I am in total agreement that dogs should be banned from restaurants and cafes, as, like him, I consider that dogs and food do not mix.

I have returned recently from a holiday in Japan and no dogs were present in any restaurant or cafe. I can only assume that they were not allowed. Also there were no dogs, either loose or on leads, on the beach at the seaside town of Shimoda.

I think some mandatory control should be exercised over dogs and very stiff fines should be imposed on offenders, in the region of £500-£1,000.

When these measures are implemented we will all be better off without the dog menace.

David Forrester

Trehill Road, Ivybridg