SOME say the jug is half full, others say it is half empty. It takes all sorts.

But in contrast to your reader Ms D Garlick, who was 'sickened and disgusted' by manure from the police horses in town on New Year's Eve, (Citizen, last week) I was also in town and it was a welcome distraction to see first Tony Kimpton with his golden Labrador working guide dog and retired black labrador dog then two fabulous police horses that gave pleasure to so many as they stood so obediently.

I then saw two beautiful Italian Spinoni dogs. It was like the animals came in two by two - strangely appropriate, as part of our planet had just been blown away by floods.

However, it may be irksome that horse owners are not legally obliged to clean up as dog owners are, but compared to the utterly heartbreaking task of retrieving thousands of dead bodies after the tsunami, I think most of us would rather pick up horse or dog mess, steaming hot, cold or otherwise.

All animals, including humans, have to evacuate their bowels. It's not such a big deal in the huge scheme of things.

Linda Lowerson, Lancaster.