A GENTLE message to dog walkers to think when taking their pets out on busy paths during the school run.

Not all children, especially young ones, are comfortable around dogs and can be alarmed if they encounter one while trying to walk to school.

I have had occasions when my child has nearly stepped into the road after being startled and scared by a dog out for a walk with its owner.

At a time when paths are busier than normal, I just don’t think it is a sensible to take dogs where there are lots of small children gathering.

And this includes people walking their own dogs on the school run while dropping kids off.

Please give it some thought, I like dogs – but owners need to be mindful of children going to school.

Worried mum, St Helens