Madam,

In response to the letter from the ‘dog lover’ who objects to dogs in cafes (‘Dogs shouldn’t be in cafes’, Cambrian News, 23 February), I frequently take my dog to cafés and pubs which allow dogs. I enjoy spending as much time with her as I can, as she does with me. I have never had any objections from other customers as they have chosen to come into a dog-friendly establishment. In Aberystwyth probably only about five per cent of the numerous cafés and pubs allow dogs so if the writer objects to these it won’t be difficult to avoid them. If your reader is objecting on the grounds of public health, it is also ridiculous to state that only guide dogs should be allowed as they are physically no different to any other dog and potentially carry the same germs. Also, the tourist industry in Ceredigion is reliant on the vast number of people who visit the county to enjoy the coast and coun-tryside, a substantial number of whom bring dogs. There needs to be some establishments which make them welcome. In Aberaeron, the pubs which welcome dogs are far busier than those which don’t so it can make good business sense. Genuine dog lovers do not have dogs just to leave them at home!

Yours etc

Jo Bruce, Nebo, Llanon.