Letter: Dogs on hot tar

Charl Niemand of Ballito writes: I jog daily, sometimes during the heat of the day.

I do appreciate seeing dog owners or “dog walkers” taking the owner’s dogs for walks.

What is an extremely concerning for me is seeing them walking on hot tar roads. You can actually see the discomfort of these dogs, some young, some old, and up to three dogs at a time.

I’m sure if these “walkers” took off their shoes and walked on the tar themselves they would know how it burns after walking even a short distance.

There are also times when the “walkers” stop to have conversations with others while the dogs stand panting on the hot tar.

There is sufficient grass next to the roads as well as awesome foot paths going through small indigenous forests which would be most enjoyable for the dogs.

I trust the above letter will be read in the good spirit it is intended and dog lovers will understand and share my concern whenever you may be walking your dogs on tar roads.