The Importance of Leash Laws

Loose dogs are a risk to the community. That sweet pup at home can act very differently when away from you. That cuddly bumpkin can become the neighborhood terror and give chase to anyone he sees. Dogs may pack up and cause serious injury and mayhem. Examples of this come from two animal control officers I knew when living up North. One case included two Huskies. Beloved and sweet pets when at home. However, the dogs were allowed to roam loose.

They began going to neighboring homes and attacking sheep. Animal control responded numerous times and spoke to the owners. Sadly, the owners did not take her warnings. One dog was found over a bloody carcass, other sheep were injured. The owner of the sheep witnessed the dogs in action. Animal Control had no other recourse. This dog now had to be destroyed. The other dog was confiscated. This double tragedy (loss of sheep and loss of pets) was because the owners felt they were above the law and their pets could do not harm when roaming.

Loose dogs have been known to attack humans. In one Boston, MA suburb where I lived as a child, family pets allowed to run loose packed up regularly. Many residents received injuries not to mention the destruction to property. The community was in fear. The dogs ranged from small to large. Different breeds and crosses made up this pack. Owners blatantly ignored the laws were putting an entire community at risk. There was a call for all the dogs to be rounded up and destroyed because the owners refused to follow the law.

Roaming dogs spread waste and disease. Fecal matter is a great vector for parasites and illness. It is bad enough dealing with people who walk their dogs and fail to clean up after them, but even more annoying when the owners allow their dogs to run loose and soil other yards, sidewalks, parks, etc.

What can the average resident do if there is a loose dog issue? If you know the owner, you can educate them about local dog laws. Be nice, polite and give the benefit of the doubt. One new family on my street had NO idea of the leash law in our county. Once I nicely informed them and offered to get an extra lead from my class supplies if they needed one, I have yet to see their dog off lead. However, this can be dangerous.

Not all dog owners like neighbors getting into their faces and telling them how to manage their dogs. Some can get very irate. The best thing you can do is get a good description of the dog and address where it lives and even pictures of the roaming dog if you can. Next, alert animal control. They can try and catch the dog and educate the owners. Not only is being caught safer for the dog, but it is safer for the community. If the owners do not care, maybe they do not deserve to have the dog in the first place. Animal Control can help the dog find a better home if the dog can be put up for adoption. Animal Control Officers are all about public and pet safety.

Leash laws and other laws designed to prevent roaming dog laws are here for a reason. As responsible dog owners, it is our duty to follow them. Even if your community has no laws, we still need to think about safety. If not, we are not only putting our dogs but also our community at risk.