Gentle Mastiffs

* If Steven Odell (letter, Feb. 8) had ever been in the presence of a mastiff, his opinion of the “killer” breed would be forever changed. Mastiffs are known throughout the world as “the gentle giants” and for centuries have been bred to be docile companions. Spasmodic fear causes people to make rash judgments about all large dogs. It is my hope that this rush to judgment will be tempered with a sense of responsibility to seek out the facts from the fear. Banning dogs is not the answer. Harsh punishment for owners who do not control their animals is.

CRIS ROGERS

Spring Hope, N.C.