Donal Hickey: Should dogs be allowed off-leash at beaches or in parks with deer?

It's lovely to get out for a blast of fresh air at a beach or national park but don't let your dog cause havoc to local wildlife

Loose dogs on beaches can hurt or scare birds away from where they roost and feed

Without wishing to take from people's enjoyment of the festive season as they walk their dogs, there’s a nagging issue: why do they let their pets loose in places where control is essential?

Dogs are let off the leash in areas where they can attack people, and worry, or even kill, other animals. This happens in parks containing deer; beaches and marshes with wading birds; and hillsides where sheep graze.