YOUR front page article, “Attacks by dogs on children increase”, plus the story about the attack by a dangerous dog on Paul Metcalfe and his pet Jack Russell in Darlington (Echo, both Jan 4), brought back memories of when my own pets were injured in a similar attack.

Once again, these dogs are still allowed to roam unleashed which more or less leaves them uncontrolled, allowing them to commit these vicious acts on other animals and human beings.

Why aren’t all owners being made to keep dogs on a lead at all times? Is this not law anyway? If not, then it should be. A leashed and controlled animal, whatever breed, will make a safer environment for everyone.

A good friend of mine – who worked tirelessly to prevent these attacks in the form of presenting a 1,000-name petition in the Shildon area alone – must be as sickened as I am to read this story.

Have the powers-that-be not taken us seriously enough regarding this matter? It seems that nothing has changed. Why do they not grasp the obvious remedies in preventing further attacks?

Robert Harwood, Shildon, Co Durham.