Self-financing dogs
Sir: Your dictionary of Cant (31 March) referred to the introduction of a compul- sory national dog registration scheme as an example of an abuse of the term 'self- financing'. Extensive academic research demonstrates that the stray dog problem in Britain costs the public and private purse £76 million a year. This is currently paid by us all. The introduction of a dog registra- tion fee would not only greatly reduce the number of stray dogs by encouraging re- sponsible ownership, it would ensure that those who had the pleasure of owning a 'I spy, with my little eye, something begin- ning with F.: dog paid for the privilege and met the costs. It is difficult to think of a more appropriate use of the phrase 'self- financing' or of a scheme worthier of public support.
Gavin Grant
RSPCA, Causeway, Horsham, West Sussex
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