To the man who (in a very practised-looking way) was beating his young black dog as you arrived at a busy Lilly Creek Park late Monday morning: Shame on you.
Your excited dog was either pinched, choking, or both by the choke chain you had yanked. It was struggling. In front of what I assume was your partner and crying son, you beat the dog and announced everyone had to turn around and go home.
Violence is never OK. I am aware that those who are violent to animals are more likely to also be violent towards other people.
Whether this is true for you or not, your son (among others) witnessed your brutality. Shame on you.
A. Edwards
Sudbury