WHAT is it about some dog owners that makes them think they're above the law?

What is it about prohibitive signs on gates, by that I mean a red circle on a white background with a red bar dissecting what certainly looks to me like a dog, that some dog owners don't understand?

Now. Correct me if I'm wrong, but doesn't that mean "no dogs" - not just "no black dogs" or no big dogs" or "no little dogs" or "no standing" or "no dogs with a white collar on" - it's "no dogs" isn't it? And the sign I'm looking at now does have a bit of a give-away, especially for those dog owners who don't understand pictures. In one inch high bold, black capitals it says "no dogs".

I like people. I like dogs. More often than not I like a combination of the two. But people who place themselves above the law, people who think that laws are made for everyone but them, really are a pain in the neck.

When I see them parking their very nice cars in Quarry Road and, with their little poly collection bags, taking their dogs through the gate with a "no dogs" sign to the delightful little park designated for kids, Kids! for heaven's sake, to play in, I really want to tell them what I think.

But I don't. I should but I don't. And the reasons I don't are these.

Do you know, I'm pretty sure I know just how they'll react.

They didn't see the sign.

Their dogs won't make a mess, but if they do they're ready to clear it up.

There are no children in the park when they take their dogs there.

Their dogs' mess won't harm any kids.

The local authority shouldn't introduce laws if it can't be around to enforce them.

All the usual waffle, all the usual excuses, and more. And the less polite ones would probably tell me it's none of my business and that I should go forth and multiply.

Aren't people strange? If I suggested to these irresponsible idiots that their actions were "undermining the true fabric of society" they'd, quite rightly, think I'm a pompous old git, they'd look at me as though I'm insane and, sure as eggs is eggs, they'd cast me as the guilty party even though it's them breaking the law.

I'd like to ask them exactly what laws they're prepared to break and exactly what laws they would enforce, should they be victims. I'd like to ask them how laws can be justified to kids, and everyone else for that matter, when they consider themselves to be above some of them. I'd like to ask them what they think their role is in society and if they think they should take some responsibility for the actions of others. But I'm not going to 'cos they probably couldn't give a toss.

GEORGE CASEY The Heights Old Town Swindon