Dear Editor:

Smarten up and be responsible for your pets.

Our most scenic, beautiful areas (roads, gardens and lawns) are being soiled and spoiled by dogs owned by people distracted by the beauty and their conversations, who do not pick up after their dogs, and who do not keep their animals under control.

The leash law stipulates that "dogs shall be under control at all times." When they run across lawns and through flower gardens, it is very damaging to young spring grass and plants. Some large dogs even stop traffic. Dogs will be dogs and some can be very aggressive.

You and your pets are welcome in our neighborhoods when you care enough to control them and when you keep our roads neat. Otherwise, you should go elsewhere.

I'm not speaking just for myself; I'm speaking for the whole neighborhood.

Blanche King
East Boothbay