I support the concerted efforts of animal welfare groups such as the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and SOSD in encouraging eligible households to adopt rescued stray dogs (Pet owners can help allay fears of big dogs in flats, by Mr Darren Chan Keng Leong; June 11).

The general perception that large dogs are aggressive is misleading.

Smaller dogs can be ferocious, aggressive and predisposed to displaying mercurial moods.

I believe that temperament, and not the size, should be the deciding factor in determining which rescued dogs are suitable for household adoption.

Since most of us live in densely packed public housing, it is important that the dogs introduced into our homes do not threaten or are a nuisance to other residents.

That these canines are of a docile nature is important. Aggressive and hyperactive dogs that are difficult to tame are certainly not desirable.

Thus, the relevant animal welfare groups should, in collaboration with the Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority, assess the temperament of each dog.

Only those that pass stringent standards pertaining to their temperament and healthshould be put up for adoption, particularly in public housing.

Zhang Guocheng