Revulsion at dog hanging case and no sympathy for driver - your views (From Keighley News)

Revulsion at dog hanging case and no sympathy for driver - your views

7:50am Thursday 23rd April 2009

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Readers' views on dog hanging case

I feel I have to write and express my thanks to the magistrates at Bradford courts, especially chairman of the bench on Wednesday, April 15, 2009 in the case of Christopher Collyer and his parents.

When they adjourned this case in March she warned Collyer he could face a custodial sentence. Little did he realise that he would get the maximum sentence possible for this callous and unforgivable crime (even so this maximum term should now be extended). He received 24 weeks in prison and a lifetime ban from keeping any animal, his parents also received community service orders.

This should now send a clear and meaningful message that this type of barbaric act will no longer be tolerated in society.

When I first heard of this case I felt ashamed to be human, but after reading the words of the magistrates I felt that at last somebody is standing up for the poor defenceless animals. And also to the members of public who spoke to the police, to give evidence against this horrible person I again say thank you.

Not only did this get the attention from Keighley people also this was posted on Facebook and over 7,000 people signed up to show their own disgust in only two weeks.

Mick Westerman,

High Spring Road, Thwaites Brow, Keighley.

• I write to agree with Mrs M Barnes re the monster who hung his family dog. Having lost my own cross/springer last year, this case has reduced me to tears, as I know how gentle these dogs are. Poor Charlie must have suffered mentally as well as physically at such a betrayal of his trust. I hope that soon there will be much stiffer penalties for people who cause suffering to trusting, defenceless animals.

M P Knapp-Smith,

Swan Avenue, Bingley

• I am writing in response once again to the sad and twisted act of the Collyers. I believe the court handed down the maximum sentence for this cruel act of violence against a sick animal.

I don’t believe the sentence even though that is the maximum at the present time was anywhere near harsh enough.

In my opinion I think (and so do a lot of others) the punishment should fit the crime! All that needs to be said is I hope he rots in hell.

Mrs M Barnes,

Central Avenue, Keighley

No support for clamped motorist

I notice that the Changegate Car Park once again features in your letters page. Apparently a contributor is complaining that he has incurred a £75 penalty for overstaying quarter of an hour over lunch.

I was always under the impression that paying for two hours meant one hour 55 minutes as opposed to two hours 15. It is symptomatic of people who think "meet at ten" equates to "come later", 30mph is a minimum speed limit and that double yellow lines mean "I can stop here to use the cash machine." They are invariably not allowed onto the plane for some reason when flying Easyjet!

Conditions of use, even if badly displayed, are like the Law and other "rules" that we have to abide by.

However disagreeable or unreasonable they may be perceived to be, they are rarely negotiable after the event and can have swingeing penalties for those who choose to ignore them.

We are all guilty of these excesses, but should accept the consequences of our own stupidity with good grace when we are caught. It won't be the first time I have been inconvenienced in having to return to a car park to put extra coins in the machine.

Whilst I think the penalties for incorrect parking (in a car park I will not use) are extortionate, it is the owner's right to set them and ours to choose to park elsewhere. I would like to read letters from anyone who has enjoyed a trip to Haworth, parked sensibly at Changegate and not overstayed their welcome.

Name and address was supplied

• Re: “Expensive pub lunch” in last week’s Letters.

Mick Saunders’ letter about the Changegate car park in Haworth made me angry.

I’m amazed he has the nerve to even put pen to paper and complain when he admits liability by stating “we were 15 minutes late back to our car!” Well, Mr Saunders, the clue to why your car was clamped is right there. You were late back, it was your own fault so get over yourself instead of then going on to moan and whinge about Haworth. You say you will never return, I’m glad because Haworth will neither miss you nor your sour grapes.

Anne Simpson

Low Banks, Riddlesden

Policy of overpopulation

I see from your ‘Opinion’ column last week that you favour two initiatives to help reduce CO2 emissions. In fact you’re just as bad as Bradford Council, at completely missing the point.

We are vastly overcrowded, especially with immigration. In future the quality of life in the Bradford Council area is going to become worse and worse.

More housing, more schools, more roads, more cars, more waste etc; less greenbelt and far more harm to the world.

So in fact this council area is very backward thinking (as is the rest of Britain) with the majority of MPs and councillors with no nous and no backbone. How do you reduce CO2 emissions, help save the planet, forests and wild-life etc by a policy of overpopulation! Wake up.

Mr S Moss,

Thornhill Avenue, Oakworth.

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