READING Dave Smith’s letter in The Press of September 30 about barking dogs raises some good questions for the RSPCA.

Dogs should not be an alternative to an alarm installation. Dogs left in the garden do not help our postmen needing to deliver mail, not knowing whether the dog is dangerous or not.

Also dogs kept in a compound for long periods can sometimes turn dangerous; they need love and attention and regular walks.

Having a dog as a pet is a commitment and owners should not leave a dog for such a long time. I have known for a while that dogs are being used to guard property, which is not a good idea. The RSPCA should look into the issue and see how bad it has become.

Keith Chapman, Custance Walk, York.