It's about time we did something about the dog situation in Auburn. I've said there is not a leash law. For some reason people just don't want to believe or accept this.

I guess it's because our common sense tells us there has to be a law that would protect us from animals. Come on - what kind of a city wouldn't have one, right? Well, just recently residents of Arlington Street made their fears known about “a bad pet owner.”

The dogs are not on a leash and some of the neighbors have been cornered by them. Another neighbor also said she felt threatened.

Our city manager Mark Palesh said the city law does not force dog owners to have leashes. The ordinance currently states owners just need to have control over their pets. So because there isn't a leash law, some pet owners are abusing the situation and letting their dogs roam freely.

How many times have you seen dogs running loose through parks while parents try to round up and secure their children so they don't get bit? One of the more famous lines from these absentee dog owners is “Gee, Sadie loves kids. He's never bitten anyone before. Your child must have provoked him.”

Meanwhile you've seen the same dog growling at many people before and know it is not an isolated incident because you've seen him freely running the streets on a regular basis. How many of you have spoke to mailmen, NYSEG meter readers, children that walk to school or deliver the newspaper?

They deal with this problem every day. There are people that walk with bats so they can protect themselves from dangerous dogs while they exercise. People should not have to worry about dogs or whether their children will become a victim.

People should feel free to take leisurely walks, get out of a car or ride a bike to a friend's house, or even sit or play in their own yard without worrying about having to contend with someone else's dog.

And I understand that people don't want to speak out against a particular breed of dog because that would not be politically correct. Some might even believe it's being racist or prejudice. I certainly would not want to hurt a dog's self esteem. Animals have rights, too, you know.

So I won't mention the breeds that are most out of control ... and being used like weapons. People can be animal lovers without imposing them on the community - unless, of course, you believe it takes a community to raise a dog.

Palesh will feel the backlash from a few individuals but he'll know the bulk of tax-paying residents agree there needs to be a law to protect us against unwarranted fears and attacks caused by negligent pet owners.

Ducayne's column appears Tuesdays in The Citizen, and she can be contacted at sacredheart6005@hotmail.com