Pets: Dog owners need to obey leash laws

I know this subject has been brought up over and over again, but it’s time for people to start doing something about it! Every day when I walk my dog, I feel a need to be on constant vigil for dogs running loose, regardless of where we walk.

In case anyone has forgotten, there is a leash law in this county, and many of you are ignoring it. Which makes me think you don’t really care one iota about the well-being of your dog. If you live on acreage, in an apartment, in a house, and own a dog, then you should know where that dog is at ALL times, and that it is either contained in a fenced yard or on the other end of a leash, if it isn’t in the house!

We’re rapidly approaching the time of year when the tourist season will bring many to this island and that means more cars, people, and their dogs. If your dog is running loose, there is always the possibility of its being struck by an automobile, or being attacked by another dog, being stolen, or any number of things which may lessen the well-being of your dog.

I’m sure most of you are aware of the recent incident in San Francisco in which a young woman lost her life after being attacked by a dog. Granted, it was a vicious dog, but still a loose dog! That could happen to any one of you who lets your dog run free. The next victim could be a child or an unsuspecting adult, and if it were my dog who did that to someone, I could never live with myself. Could you?

Please, if you really love your four-legged companion, take good care it and make sure it’s on a leash because under optimal conditions, their lives are short enough!

I’m sure your dog will appreciate it! I’m one dog lover who will, too.

Phyllis Miller

Coupeville

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