sweet megan

First Mate-I just want to echo what others have said -it's heartening to know that you are so caring & persisted with this, despite all the lack of help you got from the authorities-although, sadly, I am not surprised by RSPCA, when I have called them in past they have been of no help. Will you keep up posted as to outcome? Perhaps you also should change your name to " First Class Mate"!!

If someone is dog phobic they have a choice-get treatment -it is available or avoid areas were there are dogs. It's the same with any phobia ( spiders, birds, flying etc etc....)-which is defined as an irrational fear to a stimulus-either confront it or avoid.

Completely agree as well Sequinstars. It drives me mad when people leave gates open to the picnic area-then get angry because a young pup goes in to explore-the gates are there -why can't people just close them. I take my young gundog training weekly in order to have her under my control-it's hard work but I, like I'm sure most people, just want a well behaved dog. But even the most well behaved dog -esp if food orientated-would find some situations impossible to resist. Most of the dog walkers in Peckham Rye are responsible owners-however like everything in life -it is the irresponsible ones that draw attention -thus distorting people's perception. In winter on wet/cold days the only people in the park are the dog walkers-keeping up a presence & therefore keeping it safe.

Many cats are nocturnal- I have two cats -one who is more than happy to spend the night curled up asleep in bed-the other who becomes very distressed when prevented from going out at night-both brought up the same, just different personalities. If its not cats -then foxes too will agitate your dogs-the issue is you need to train your dogs not to bark-I too have a dog & have trained her not to bark -only on command-this is possible to do, but takes time & patience. If you don't know how to do this you may need to consult a dog behaviourist-as I think your problem will continue -as expecting cats/foxes not to roam is unrealistic.

esme-how can you completely agree with lilly123?? -they are saying they don't care what dog it is & that ALL dogs out in public need to be muzzled-you agree with the statement but then go on to say there are plenty of lovely dogs that make perfect pets & do no harm to anyone-so should these "lovely dogs" also be muzzled in your opinion? Recent high profile attacks on children have been by parents/relatives own dog & within the home-so should dogs have to be muzzled at home too? The problem lies with irresponsible owners, not the dog (regardless of breed)- the majority of dog owners are responsible.

Well said Cam123. It would be great if people had 100% control of their dogs, 100% of the time, but like children this isn't always possible as much as we try our best ( with both children & dogs ). I too am amazed at the number of parents who allow their child to come up & touch my dog without checking with me is this OK.

Agree-dogs shouldn't be running amongst the flower beds in the Oval-but neither should children. I regularly see parents allowing their children to do just that-perhaps the sign needs to include children as well. I walk every day in the park and the vast majority of dog owners are very responsible, my biggest gripe is the peeing footballers & the litter they leave behind. Also the rubbish/food left by people's picnics. I feel safe walking in the park knowing so many dog walkers are about keeping it safe, as in the winter or on a cold day it is often only dog walkers or joggers in the park. As the OP subject heading perhaps we need "more dogs in Peckham Rye Park"

Just for your info- the Sexby Garden is not a "dogs on lead" area, the Japanese garden is, as is around the pond. I agree some people do not have good control of their dogs & are irresponsible- however the vast majority are extremely responsible & have good control of their dogs. So please do not make generalisations -if you have that much of a fear of dogs perhaps you should seek help to address yours fears so that you can go about life more relaxed & not in this constant state of fear.

well done for taking the time in helping out & not just ignoring her. None of my doggy friends know of this dog-I hope she hasn't been dumped. At least she will be safe in Battersea & lets hope her owner finds her.

This is horrific - I have cats & a dog they all get on well, but I would still not trust my dog not to chase a cat outside if it run,as its a natural instinct thats why its important to have it on a lead when walking in the street. If people know who this man is then they have to report him to police/RSPCA- it sounds like trying to talk to him makes no difference, he needs someone with authority to address it otherwise other cats in the area are not safe.