Dogs and Walkers

Not Everyone Loves Bowser

Everybody is out of the house and you're heading out, too, for a morning walk that energizes you both physically and mentally. A block from home, in one of the safest neighborhoods in the city, what could go wrong? And, then, from out of nowhere, it happens. You hear the barking first. A rustling and shuffling follows. And then he's upon you-licking, nipping, and sniffing-the frisky unleashed pooch who thinks you're treading on his turf. Will he nuzzle or attack? You don't know for sure and you won't find out until it's too late. Come to think of it, maybe you shouldn't have gone for that walk in the first place.

Dog Bites Man

The alarming incidence of dog bites poses a critical challenge to communities nationwide. And, contrary to popular belief, it's not just pitbulls and Rottweilers doing the biting. Twenty-five breeds of dogs, including Dachshunds, Golden Retrievers, and Saint Bernards have been involved in more than 230 human fatalities since 1979. Nonfatal bites are also significant: statistics gathered in the mid '90s show that about 4.5 million Americans are bitten each year-800,000 of them seriously enough to warrant medical attention.

Dogs Can Intimidate

Many well-intentioned dog owners understandably have not considered that their pet might be an impediment to another person's enjoyment of the neighborhood. For walkers and outdoor enthusiasts, however, unattended dogs can pose an unfortunate peril and burden that must be dealt with on a regular basis. If you're 6' 3" and healthy, a pet owner, or someone familiar with animal behavior, perhaps unwanted attention from a neighborhood dog poses no particular problem. If you're a child, a small woman, handicapped, or unaccustomed to dealing with animals, an excited dog baring his teeth can be quite intimidating.

Leash Laws Protect Dogs and People

Compliance with the existing city leash law would enhance the quality of life for all who want to take advantage of their lovely neighborhood.

City Leash Laws Examples

• Dogs are not allowed to run at large.
• On an owner's property, the dog must be confined behind a fence or under direct control of the owner.
• A dog can leave the owner's property only on leash.
• Any dog found running loose may be taken into custody by the dog control officers.
• Fines apply for any dog running loose.

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