Letters: Patou dogs often run wild in France 

To the Editor,

I am just picking up on the recent debate in The Connexion about mountain dogs. 

I live in a hamlet in Pyrénées-Orientales. We are near a small town so not isolated. I used to be able to enjoy a number of walks from my house up to the local picnic, along the old mountain railway track etc. 

How to act if you see a patou dog while hiking in France

All of these are along registered road and tracks so I am not crossing open terrain or mountains. 

Unfortunately, in the past two years all three of these routes have been put off limits by dogs left to run wild by their owners. 

One actually leapt onto my neighbour’s car when he was driving to the picnic area with his children, and another chases cyclists and bites at their heels.

They are a danger and a hazard but the owners (if you can find them) are dismissive of any requests to control them. 

Where dogs are used to guard sheep on high mountains I accept, but not in populated rural areas where they are terrorising local residents. 

Elaine Drummond, by email

Have you encountered a Pyrenean Mountain Dog while hiking? Share your experience at letters@connexionfrance.com