From Joanne Sharman, Suffolk:

I was very saddened to read the letter from Nicky and Pete Muspratt whose beloved Westie died recently of a ‘virus’ (CP, 21-09-18).

However, I was absolutely furious the blame for this virus was laid firmly at the feet of visiting holidaymakers, like myself, or the handful of thoughtless holidaymakers who choose not to clear up if their pet fouls a pavement.

As a dog owner, and a regular visitor to the Island over the past 40 years, I was very offended, angry and upset to be blamed in this way and would ask the question — where is the proof only holidaymakers’ dogs cause this heart-breaking virus?

Have they ever stopped an irresponsible dog owner who has not bothered to clear up after their dog, and asked them where they come from?

When we walk our dog we never go out without pockets full of poo bags, so we take exception to comments visitors are to blame.

I assume from the comments every dog owner on the Island always clears up after their dog but if our recent walks on Culver Down are anything to go by, I think not!

As most doggie doings look pretty much the same I could not tell which came from an Island dog and which came from a visiting canine.

And as for all dogs visiting the Island needing a certificate to prove their vaccinations are up to date; why on earth should we?

I would be happy to do so as I have a booklet which shows my dog’s full vaccination record for the past 12 years.

I assume if that was the case then all Island dogs leaving the Isle of Wight would need to provide the same before departing for the mainland?