Is Bull Island going to the dogs?

Sir, – I agree with Pádraic Fogarty (“Bull Island is nature’s gift to Dubliners. They haven’t been grateful”, Analysis, March 12th). I am saddened by the disappearance of the unique Irish hare and many bird species as reported by Tom Cooney. Dog chasing has been reported as playing a part in these losses.

Cooney’s question as to why any part of Bull Island should be given over to dogs off leash is a good one. Dublin City Council has stated that efforts by the council and the National Parks & Wildlife Service (NPWS) to enforce the regulations (which allow dogs off leash in a particular part of the beach south of Dollymount Strand) have “proven futile”. If there was no area where dogs could be off leash as suggested by Cooney, this would then be clear to everyone and easier for the council and NPWS to enforce.

I walk on the Bull Wall with friends every day. It is a magical place. Sadly, we regularly see dogs off leash having the time of their lives chasing the birds as they try to feed at the shoreline. There are no hares left to chase. I wonder do these dog owners know that there is a fine enclosed dog park close by in St Anne’s Park where dogs can be off leash and chase each other to their hearts’ content?

David Attenborough, who knows a thing or two, says: “The future of the natural world is in our hands.” – Yours, etc,