Here are three really stupid excuses I have heard from people not having their dogs on leashes in my neighborhood in the city of Auburn. It makes me wonder, what is it about “leash law” that they don't understand? The following are not, repeat, not, valid excuses for having your dog walking free in Auburn:
€ “Oh, don't worry, he doesn't bite.”
€ “We're just going for a little walk” (versus a “big” walk?).
€ “We don't need a leash if he's just in the ______ (insert: parking lot, yard).”
In the latter case, rental apartments on a non-enclosed lot were involved. Er, is that a “little,” versus a “big” walk?
Let me spell a few things out for the leash-phobic, as an animal advocate whose family used to own English Mastiffs and German Shepherds, because I can see that what is common sense and common courtesy to responsible pet owners is obviously not so to you. Ready? Okay, news flash. Some people and pets are actually afraid of dogs and don't want to be startled by having a dog, especially a big dog, lunge in their direction. Some parents don't like the idea that loose dogs of unknown temperament are hanging around their kids who are playing outdoors. An unrestrained dog can dart away from you at any time and you cannot really prevent it. Even friendly dogs can jump on and lunge at people and other pets out of sheer excitement, but the “lungee” will be no less frightened because you will soon assure them that your dog is really a big sap. There is nothing sappier than a Mastiff, but I would never let one run free in Auburn.
Simply, if your dog were under proper control (can you say, “leash”?) then he/she would not be able to scare people and animals so much.
Lisa Backus
Auburn
€ “We're just going for a little walk” (versus a “big” walk?).
€ “We don't need a leash if he's just in the ______ (insert: parking lot, yard).”
In the latter case, rental apartments on a non-enclosed lot were involved. Er, is that a “little,” versus a “big” walk?
Let me spell a few things out for the leash-phobic, as an animal advocate whose family used to own English Mastiffs and German Shepherds, because I can see that what is common sense and common courtesy to responsible pet owners is obviously not so to you. Ready? Okay, news flash. Some people and pets are actually afraid of dogs and don't want to be startled by having a dog, especially a big dog, lunge in their direction. Some parents don't like the idea that loose dogs of unknown temperament are hanging around their kids who are playing outdoors. An unrestrained dog can dart away from you at any time and you cannot really prevent it. Even friendly dogs can jump on and lunge at people and other pets out of sheer excitement, but the “lungee” will be no less frightened because you will soon assure them that your dog is really a big sap. There is nothing sappier than a Mastiff, but I would never let one run free in Auburn.
Simply, if your dog were under proper control (can you say, “leash”?) then he/she would not be able to scare people and animals so much.
Lisa Backus
Auburn
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random wrote on Jul 17, 2008 11:12 AM:
We asked the local law enforcement that exact question two weeks ago. It would be a very, very tough call. You would almost have to be in the situation of actually being attacked. I wouldn't rely on having the right to shoot any animal that presents itself in a threatening manner, as a rule of thumb.....
and Lisa, can you say, er, how annoying is that? "
budobrubbie wrote on Jul 16, 2008 6:05 PM: