Today’s letters to The Courier.
Sir,-It was good to see the report in The Courier (September 6) about the juvenile sea eagle flying over Methil.
This bird is part of the east coast sea eagle reintroduction project, which is a partnership between Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH), RSPB and Forestry Commission Scotland.
The project is restoring this native bird as an important part of our biodiversity and is giving people in lowland Scotland the chance to see this magnificent raptor.
It shouldn’t just be people who live in remote areas who get to see these birds.
The Courier comment about the article, on the same day, mentions the Species Action Framework.
The framework was launched in 2007 by SNH and the Scottish Government with the aim of targeting conservation management.
As you say, there are 30-odd (32 in fact) species on which we have been promoting work. This does not mean that there are 32 reintroductions.
The only planned reintroductions are the sea eagles, the beaver trial, water voles in the Trossachs, a rare fish called the vendace in the south of Scotland and a few invertebrates and plants.
Most of the projects on the 32 species involve other types of actions such as managing habitat for capercaillie and great crested newt, or dealing with invasive non-native species, such as American signal crayfish and Rhododendron ponticum.
Ron Macdonald.Head of policy and advice, SNH,Aberdeen.
Train owners as well as dogs
Sir,-Once again I am dismayed by the bad press regarding Staffordshire bull terriers, a breed being spoilt by pure bad ownership. Bear in mind this could happen to any breed in the wrong hands.
I am the proud owner of Dixie who is a four-year-old Staffie and also Alfie, a Boxer. Both dogs have attended Fair City Dog Training Club and achieved bronze good citizens’ certificates in obedience and they also regularly compete in Dog Agility tests coming into contact with many dogs at these events.
Both dogs are also registered as Therapet dogs and visit a care home every week, and I know the residents just love their weekly visit.
Whilst I agree with Ian Robb that we need to look at breeding controls and licensing, I believe the problem goes far beyond that and greater emphasis should be placed on socialising and training all dogs from puppy stage.
If we need owners to prove ownership, should we also demand that they can prove responsible ownership?
Education of responsible dog ownership should start at a very young age.
I believe that with the right support for accredited Kennel Club registered training clubs, there could be a way forward by making children aware of the fun and satisfaction of having a well-behaved pet.
I would also make a plea for some good press for the Staffie breed and possibly this would help with re-homing issues.
Harry Greig.27 Precinct Street,Coupar Angus.
Jet-ski noise is scaring dolphins
Sir,-Jet-skiers are as entitled as anybody to have fun, but not at the expense of other people and not by endangering wildlife.
It really is pathetic to suggest that seals and dolphins are at as much risk from a slow-moving pleasure craft.
Nobody has suggested that the skiers deliberately target wildlife, but they are aware (aren’t they?) that just their presence and the noise they create will frighten off the dolphins.
It doesn’t take a genius to realise that, and I would rather take the word of the coastwatch manager rather than a self-interested jet-skier.
They must also realise that the noise of these machines annoys both residents and visitors.
I feel that we should all get behind efforts to get rid of this nuisance behaviour. Petition anyone?
C. Strathie.Broughty Ferry.
Contradiction on referendum
Sir,-The prime minister said recently he was “a practical eurosceptic”.
He then rejected calls for an in-out referendum on membership of the EU, or one on integration.
Rewind to November 4, 2009, when Mr Cameron said: “If we win the next election, we will amend the European Communities Act 1972 to prohibit by law, the transfer of power to the EU without a referendum.”
Do politicians forget that we remember things?
Alastair Harper.Lathalmond,By Dunfermline.
Get involved: to have your say on these or any other topics, email your letter to letters@thecourier.co.uk or send to Letters Editor, The Courier, 80 Kingsway East, Dundee DD4 8SL.