Re “In Boston, dogs at play kept on a tight leash” (Page A1, Aug. 6): Many years ago I was a brand-new citizen of West Roxbury and naively believed I might take a jog through a public park, a right I had actually enjoyed in other cities. I discovered my lesson rapidly: I was instantly pursued by an off-leash dog nipping at my hands and clothes. So I believed I’d take a walk in the Allandale Woods. But my course was obstructed by a snarling dog prepared to assault me if I took another action. Nonenforcement of leash laws has made every park a de facto “dog park.” So when I’m asked to have compassion for dog owners who presumably don’t belong for their dogs to run totally free I need to ask: Where can the people run totally free? I would be all in favor of there being an unique fenced location for dogs in our parks if I believed dog owners would utilize it to the exemption of the remainder of the park. But provided their shown refuse for any limitations on their animals, I seriously question they would appreciate any borders.
Dan Hart