Madam, - I write to commend Eileen Battersby's article "They call it puppy love" (Features, December 20th).
At this time of year there is so much talk about the season of goodwill and kindness. This unfortunately does not apply to our "furry friends".
It did not surprise me that the number of cases of ill-treatment of dogs was so high (over 1,500 last year in Dublin alone). The fact that many of these animals are born as a result of someone failing to castrate or spay their animal is a damning indictment of those who fail to take responsibility either for themselves or the unfortunate animals they own. - Yours, etc,
THÉRÈSE MORGAN, Saval Park Road, Dalkey, Co Dublin.