ESPITE the calls for the reintroduction of the dog licence, I am not convinced it will help with abandoned or ill-treated dogs.

When the licence was in force, I knew of someone who ill-treated their pet, despite having a licence, and was thankfully prosecuted and banned for life from dog ownership.

However, a licence may well lead to further abandonment. And some people will never buy the licence anyway.

One could apply the same argument to cat ownership, too.

I adore dogs and frequently look after a friend’s pet.

But in the same way that a driving licence does not guarantee good driving, a dog licence does not, sadly, guarantee good dog care. And who will check to see animals are cared for? There is rarely anyone around to even check on dog fouling here.

I’d love to think all pets receive the care my friend’s dog gets. Sadly they don’t and I doubt a licence will ensure this would happen Seven shillings and sixpence never did, and £21 certainly won’t. Food and vets’ bills can be expensive over the years, but a dog is for life. Responsible owners realise this, licence or no licence.

D HOLLOWAY, Wenrisc Drive, Minster Lovell,