Stray dogs are a constant feature of the streets, as are vicious animals kept behind insecure fencing which have been trained by owners to be aggressive. I myself have had four chickens killed in four years by roaming dogs, as well as having been baled up on numerous occasions by vicious stray dogs. This is unacceptable.

Either there is a failure on the part of the authorities to contain these animals or there is, more likely, an endemic culture among dog owners that they are not responsible for the animals they own.

Of course, this is not an issue for the majority of sensible, responsible dog owners, but as usual, is a factor among a minority group of antisocial individuals who consider themselves above basic responsibility.

Perhaps the council and the police should be allowed to do more to deal with these individuals and their killer dogs than the law currently allows.

An Armidale Community Member

Join us at "Renewable Manilla 100 Mile Night" to support a local initiative that makes the energy transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy a reality.

Manilla Community Renewable Energy Inc has worked for seven years on this project, and our solar dreams are close to becoming a reality.

On behalf of our dedicated committee, I invite you to attend what is going to be a fabulous night on October 18.

By coming along you will learn how the solar farm will benefit our region, deliver cheaper electricity, sustainable regional development and insight into innovative hydrogen fuel cell technology.

Not only that, you'll be supporting local food producers. As the 100 Mile Night concept ensures all food produced is grown locally within 100 miles (160km) of Manilla. The event is catered by Swan Fine Foods of Barraba and tickets are at cost price.

We recognise people are doing it tough, so we are opening the doors and inviting those who do not wish to purchase a ticket to join us for a sausage sizzle, with a donation for CWA drought relief.

The evening is bound to be a great night, with free jumping castle for the kids, five piece band "Magpie Diaries" and nocturnal nature walk with Phil Spark.

Come along for a great night, and support sustainable regional development. The future is renewable!

Register your interest: http://tinyurl.com/renewablemanilla or for more details, please phone 0407 435 585.

Emma Stilts,

President of the Manilla Community Renewable Energy Inc.

I suppose that now, with thousands of dairy farmers walking away from their drought stricken farms with no help from government, except talk, no doubt the Chinese will be buying them up and waiting till the rains come and them making all the milk they need to send back home while Australian's pay ever higher prices.

Well done Australian governments, well done indeed.

P Edwards

Safety Bay, WA