I AM well aware that not everyone likes dogs. And why should they?

I don’t like celery and would be annoyed if I was forced to nurture and care for a crop. And I’m not a huge fan of cats, although having married into a cat-loving family I have a mutual respect for the alpha feline, claws, and all.

But banning things you don’t like? That seems a little harsh.

However, banning dogs was the route taken by the town council in Callington, Cornwall, according at least to a certain tabloid newspaper named after a lemony-coloured celestial being.

Their investigative journalism team reported that the town council has banned dogs for 13 years with restricted access to certain areas and no off-lead exercise.

The mayor is quoted as saying “The ban is best for the interest of parishioners”.

To be honest I can see their point.

The hound I have responsibility for is friendly, I know that and anyone who spends a bit of time with her knows that.

But her social skills are sadly underdeveloped, and she will race towards someone wanting to play without checking their preferences or interests first.

And an excitable lurcher racing towards you with drool dropping from her flapping jowls can be a little intimidating, especially if you are less than steady on your feet or have responsibility for a small thing (child or dog).

A local councillor is challenging the decision and trying to re-introduce walking in limited, controlled circumstances, standing up for the canine perambulatory cause.

And the local MP has carried out a survey claiming most are in favour of lifting the ban.

But reading the hot-gas-star titled media sheet it appears as if the town is divided, Brexit-like, on the best thing to do.

One resident who tried to walk her hound on the local football field was shouted away: “It was like we were aliens or something. We’re just dog walkers.”

I hope the good people of Callington come to a happy compromise for both them and their hounds, and a post-Brexit calm soon descends.

Then we can get onto the real issues: banning those pesky claw-happy cats.