In response to Edna Silva’s letter to the editor, “Don't tie dogs to bicycles,” (Oct. 16), I have had to call the New London Animal Control several times regarding a man in an electric wheelchair dragging his retriever down Montauk Avenue all summer, in extremely hot weather. At first, animal control admitted they knew the man and thought it was cute, until I told them it is against the law and abusive. I had to actually ask how would they like to be tied to a car and made to run the entire length of Montauk Avenue, barefoot, on black tar in 90-degree weather.

Connecticut General Statutes 22-350a – Tethering dog to stationary object or mobile device − prohibits such conduct and the confining or tethering of a dog for an unreasonable period of time. (this includes in extreme weather conditions.)

It is abuse and should always be reported as a violation. I have a feeling next summer will be the same scenario for that poor retriever, due to animal controls inaction to fine those they think are cute for tying these animals to devices they have no control of.

Franca Parra-Polimeni

New London