SIR, Border Beasties would like to thank all Donkey Food Volunteers for their continued support. The Sanctuary in Melrose is so very grateful for our efforts. We welcome some new drivers this year, and hope they enjoy their visits.

Thanks also, to the many kind-hearted folk who donate items for Arthurshiel Rescue Centre – a few minutes from the Donkey Sanctuary. Arthurshiel takes in the stray dogs from around the Borders as well as many other unwanted pets, and cares for wildlife too. Bedding suitable for dogs and cats, towels, shreddings, toys etc. as well as food and treats are always welcome and and can be collected here if necessary, by phoning 01721 720728/720563. We thank CAB Peebles for their large bags of shreddings which are so much help to Arthurshiel.

Peebles is a lovely place to have dogs as there are so many walks and I know friends who came to the Borders actually stayed in every town, before settling here, because their dog loved it so much! However, the down side is that there are still dog owners who do not pick up from streets, footpaths, and sports/recreation areas.

My husband helps to organise races and the club has to have cans of orange spray to highlight “poo” so that runners can avoid it!

Confined to walking on the flat for a while, I noticed that the Gytes and Kerfield areas were bad, and ended up picking the offending messes off the ground with my extra bags. Folk that walk there during the day may not realise that all pitches are used, even in the winter nights, for practice, and weekends for games. All summer it is busy after school too. Balls are mobile and do not just stay on the pitches. Many end up on other cut grass areas and that is where the problem lies! If you do not have any intention of picking up after your dog – please, at least, stay away from sports areas.

For some reason, when it snows, dog walkers think that the poo melts with the snow and do not pick up – it doesn’t, and is still there long after the snow!!

Dog wardens are no longer employed and, and as with parking, folk think they are safe, and have no need to bother, but new notices are being put up with the help of the Community Police Officer, which make it quite clear that you can still be reported, using the number provided.

If you have forgotten your bag, ask another dog walker for one. If you can’t bend down for physical reasons – ask another dog walker to help. Don’t just walk away!

If a significant number of owners still refuse to clean up from these areas, there is no doubt that they will cease to have access at all, and we will all be punished for the laziness of a few, who obviously care nothing for the health of the many youngsters who play there.

Dog fouling also puts the health of other dogs at risk.

I am, etc.

Alison Pearson Secretary Border Beasties Kingsmeadows Road Peebles