UO me amat, amat et canem. Or to put it into plain English, love me, love my dog. It is said this proverb was first mouthed in Latin by St Bernard, presumably extolling his listeners to be patient and understanding of all things canine.

We can be sure that the great man's utterances were intended for the ears of reasonable people. Of course, he could not possibly have foreseen the "me first" society of the early 21st Century where the welfare of the individual would invariably take precedence over the needs of other citizens.

Well, there are always a few who spoil things, and that is why the county council's countryside service is right to clamp down on the minority of dog owners who have been allowing their charges to run amok at Worcester Woods Country Park. Recent events have included a girl being bitten on the face, a Yorkshire Terrier ripped to death plus some other unpleasant occurrences.

Countryside manager Andy Maginnis says the vast majority of people behave in a responsible manner, but issues a reminder that the rules apply to everyone.

He's absolutely right - and this newspaper backs him to the hilt. It's a sad fact of life these days that the tentacles of anti-social behaviour tend to curl their way around most areas of existence, and even such simple pleasures as enjoying a day out in the fresh air is not without its attendant perils.

There is all manner of visitors at the woods, engaging in everything from kite-flying to nature watching. They should be able to follow their peaceful pursuits without the risk of being hassled by a stray dog. But as they used to say, there are no bad animals... just bad owners.