AS a responsible dog owner who always collects and disposes of my dog s excrement, I have no problem with those people who feel a need to chastise dog owners who do not do the same – especially in children s play areas and on public footpaths. I will oft

AS a responsible dog owner who always collects and disposes of my dog's excrement, I have no problem with those people who feel a need to chastise dog owners who do not do the same - especially in children's play areas and on public footpaths.

I will often politely hand such a person a doggy doo bag in which to dispose of the offending doo doo. However, to those people who insist on harassing the responsible dog owners by shouting abuse at them when their bitch is squatting for a wee, please learn the difference in stance.

A dog, male or female, which is having a poo, will have a curled back and if they have a tail it will usually be stuck out horizontally. However, a bitch which is squatting to wee will have its back paws splayed out and the back will be straight.

This may seem obvious but it would seem some people struggle with this as on two separate occasions I have been abused because people have mistakenly accused my weeing bitch of pooping.

If you are not sure what a dog is doing, politely ask the owner. There is no need for foul language and abuse, which is what has prompted this letter.

I also wonder how many people would start yelling abuse at my husband - it seems easier to shout and yell at a not-so-tough-looking woman (although for those two people who chose to cross a hormonal pregnant woman, I am quite aware that I can give just as good back).

Just think before opening your mouth.

EMMA STEPHENS, Skeggles Close, Huntingdon