Thursday, May 25, 2006
Lash out at leash laws
Man's best friend doesn't always appreciate being tethered to a slow-walking human --but when the alternative is getting a ticket, or worse, possibly being run over or shot, there doesn't seem to be much choice. Park City and Summit County are charged with enforcing local leash laws -- how are they doing? Should there be more enforcement, should the laws be tougher, or should dogs roam free. Give us a bark, a tail wag or a growl by clicking on the comments below.
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45 comments:
Humans and especially children take precedence over dogs. Dogs are dogs, they belong on leashes unless they are on the owner's property. I have cleaned up more than my share of other people's dog's sh*t, have had unruly dogs scare the sh*t out of my kids while my kids are innocently trying to play in their own yards or while walking on public sidewalks and am sick of these freaks that think dogs are people or are just too damn lazy to leash their animal!!!!! It's not a matter of freedom for the animal, in my opinion, it is more a matter of laziness on the part of the owner who doesn't want to deal with a dog pulling on a leash or walking lock step with their animal. If I find a dog on my property, rest assured, I will try to trap it in my garage and call Animal Control. If the dog is put down, that is nothing but the lazy a$$ owners' own fault. The End.
To previous anonymous blogger,
I can tell by your use of foul language and by the way that you blanketly characterized all dog owners as lazy that you are a Republican. You probably also believe that all Mexicans should be jailed since there was an armed robbery this week in Park City. Maybe most dog owners aren't lazy and most dogs are friendly. In the true American way, I believe that we should punish (leash) only those dogs that need to be punished because they are uncontrollable. As for picking up dog sh*t, what does this have to do with a leash law?
To blogger #2,
You are right on all accounts except one. I can tell by his language and temper that blogger #1 is definitely not a native Parkite and probably an angry New Yorker who is probably currently involved in several personal law suits and is here to do nothing other than try to piss everyone off so that we can sit around, sip whiskey and talk about how miserable we are. This would make him a Democrat.
Blogger #2 and #3..
He does have a few good points. I too grow tired of picking up dog poop, and I also grow tired of dogs barking and acting aggressively. Most dogs are not this way, and most owners are responsible.
Having said that, it is a two way street. If you let your dog wander off leash, and the dog is aggressive or poops on a yard, you deserve to be ticketed. If the dog hurts someone, not only do you deserve to be ticketed, and jailtime.
Life is way too short to deal with irresponsible owners.
Life is also too short to not enjoy the occasional joint, and women. Dogs, pot and women, life is good.
Summertime in Park City is the best time to enjoy all three.
A good dog, a good woman, and a bong hit, aaaah.
While Anonymous #1 was a bit harsh, what he/she said is largely true. To dog owners that constantly allow their dogs off leash, how would you feel if dogs you don't own are constantly creating huge dead spots on your lawn or crapping on your property. As for what does crapping on lawns have to do with leash laws, that is obvious...if the dog is off-leash it is much more likely to wander onto other people's property and do its thing. Lastly, some of the other anonymous entries suggest that they should determine whether their dog is dangerous or not - WRONG. When you are on public property and especially on someone else's private property, YOU don't have that unilateral right...I can say from personal experience that my five year old was nearly bitten seriously by a dog that, by the owner's account, "couldn't believe her dog would do such a thing...and doesn't know what got into him". And, by the way, the owner witnessed the whole incident with the dog and admitted that my child did NOTHING to provoke the dog. If something similar happened to the first anonymous e-mailer, no one should blame his/her anger. Those that don't have children will really never get it I guess, which, frankly, is pretty pathetic. This is not a Democrat, Republican or any other political party issue (or at lease it shouldn't be) - KEEP YOUR DOGS ON LEASH, unless the dog is secured on your own property - its simple.
I am a Democrat and a 50 year born and bred Park City native. I agree with Anonymous # 1. My family had to get out of the sheep industry in Park City in the late seventies because all the hippie ski bum trash couldn't keep there F**k**g untrained mutts on a leash. Dog owners who don't take responsibility are lazy entitled useless crybabies who shouldn't be allowed to own any animals or to breed themselves.
As a dog owner who would often choose most dogs over many humans (even more so now after reading this blog), I would like to simply say tht it is not the leash law that I have a problem with. I understand the need and purpose of the leash law and as an old town resident, have often been annoyed by those dog owner's that feel the need to let their pets roam this town with no consideration for anyone. I do believe however there is a difference between a dog raoming our town and trying to take your dog on a bike ride on our local trails or throwing a ball for your dog in an open field. As someone who was ticketed for throwing a ball for my dogs in a completely empty field with no children or other wildlife around, I was a bit off put. I have always made a point to go where others are not and to pick up after my dog, with literally, no other option to exercise my dogs, I was a little irritated. I understand why I got the ticket, but ok then give me another option. And yes, I have thought about exercising with my dogs, I do, I run with them every morning, but I have dogs, because I enjoy doing things with them, so lets start thinking of a way to make that possible, give me a patch of sage brush and I will happily play with my dogs there.
Democrat, Republican, Native Park City-ite, Transplant, Naturalized Park City-ite, who cares. Dogs need to be on leases, children need to be safe. Neither are occurring at this time. If there is a piece of of ground left available in Park City then buy it, fence it and let your dogs poop all over it and attack each other there, instead of loose in my yard, or our street in Old Town where my 11 yr.old daughter has been bitten without provocation twice in 12 months. I love dogs and when you have kids, dogs become dogs again. Kids safety is more important than anything. The police are just reacting to escalating,innumerable calls and complaints. It's a public safety issue, plain and simple. Leash your dog. Like gravity, its a law that ain't ever going away. I asked my dogs and they concur. Really, they said so.
Dogs are not children, they are animals who should be respected as animals. They do not speak much English, nor do they understand when owners act like irrational nincompoops, although owners try hard to convey how they wish a dog to behave, outside or in. When you use a leash, you do not end up at the animal shelter paying a fine, the vets having to have your pet put to sleep, or undergo a very expensive and painful surgery to put your dog back together again, because a car and driver that did not see your dog run out in front of their front wheels in happiness of freedom. Dogs, of both sexes do what dogs do best, and that is go potty where and when its territory is available, they do not have public bathrooms. They have hearing and a sense of direction that is far superior to ours, aimless as it is, but they do not understand street lights and where the sidewalk ends. And, they do like to have communication with other creatures their kind, whether it is to pass the time of day, or to defend themselves (sound like us with road rage?). If you wish to love, honor, keep and shelter a dog, take it for walks, runs, and enjoy the freedom of having a one on one relationship of respect and care for your dog, that's your responsibility. Remember, they also cannot turn doorknobs, or use a can opener, either. It takes a lot to care for children and for dogs, so don't complain because its simple and up to you.
As I see it, there are 2 questions posed here: 1) How is Summit County doing in enforcement of the current leash laws and could they be doing more? 2) Should the laws be tougher? Here is my take on things:
1) From previous blog entries, it sure seems that there is no lack of enforcement in the Old Town Park City area. I certainly can't speak for other neighborhoods in Summit County, but I feel that enforcement is seriously lacking in Summit Park. I also suspect that Summit Park is one of the worst areas for owners not abiding by the laws (leash, vaccines, registration, etc.). On any given day at, an Animal Control officer could take a drive through Summit Park and easily find several dogs running free. It's nearly impossible for me to walk my 2 dogs on a leash and not have an incident of some sort with a dog that is permitted to roam free. No, they are not just off-leash at the moment - they constantly roam free. The biggest annoyance is when one of those free-roaming dogs decides to follow me on my entire walk. Of course, I initially try everything possible to get the dog to stay home - no such luck. At that point, it has now become my responsibility to keep the dog out of road or risk watching it get hit, which would devastate me. When the dog is nearly hit by a motorist, they then glare or yell at me, assuming the dog is mine. Once back to my house, I then have to tether the dog and make an attempt to call the owner, IF there is ID on the dog. So, I guess my short answer to whether there should be more enforcement is "YES, definitely for Summit Park".
2) In some cases, I do believe the laws should be tougher. Some of you may recall a letter to the editor a few weeks back regarding a leashed dog that was bitten (and killed) by an off-leash dog. Imagine holding the other end of the leash while your dog is attacked and killed. Needless to say, a gut wrenching experience for the owners. What happened to the dog that bit? It was held by Animal Control for a few days (I'm not sure of the exact number) and then released to the owners. There is no difference between a bite and a bite that kills. Are the owners required to change anything regarding their handling of their dog (e.g. fenced yard, muzzle, etc)? Nope. If the dog bites again with a calendar year, there is some provision for stiffer punishment. But, the dog can safely bite (and possibly kill) once a year and basically have nothing happen. Do we need a tougher law? You bet!
Here's my two cents.
I am a dog owner here in Park City. I have worked hard to have a well trained dog.
When I exercise my dog, I purposefully go to trails and parks where there are not people that may be put off by my dog's presence.
I also clean up after my dog. Not that I think this has ANYTHING to do with the leash law. I'm sorry, but regardless if a dog is on a leash, if an owner is lazy, they won't clean up.
I believe that there should be a leash law. I think that in Old Town and in residential areas owners should be responsible, especially if they know that their dog is a threat.
However, walking a dog on a leash is NOT exercise. Dogs are animals, they want to roam free, retrieve, play, and socialize. If dogs are limited in their ability to socialize with other dogs and people, they will become aggressive.
I have a simple solution. Why don't we use a system similar to Millcreek Canyon. They alternate leash on and leash off days. This way an owner or a hiker knows what to expect or what is expected.
Additionally, let's denote a "dog park" and I'm not talking about the little 8 foot fenced in area in Trailside, I'm talking about a park or field where dogs can run and play and socialize WITHOUT leashes.
I understand the importance of the safety of children, so let's keep the leashes in residential areas and then have "off leash" areas that children and their parents, or adults who are simply scared of or hate dogs can avoid.
Simple solution.
By the way, why are we wasting all of the police force on a simple issue when the middle schools and high school are so filled with drugs and drinking that students are in and out of rehab before junior year. That's where the man power and energy should be spent.
It is a fucking DOG--I don't care if you dress it up in pajamas, bake it a cute little bone birthday cake, consider it your little brother, whatever--it's a fucking DOG. To even try to place it on the same plane as having
"rights" like a child is ridiculous...as for those bloggers who say they prefer dogs to people, that says much more about you than anything else. Apparently, you can't deal with the responsibility and complexity of human relationships, so you transfer your emotions onto an animal. This is not fair to the animal, and shows how stunted your personal development is. Sadly, your relationships center on a thing that cannot emote. And when you want to go out and get wasted, you simply place it in the garage. The juvenile discourse exhibited by the dogophiles is embarrassing. As for the question of why police resources are wasted on this crap, it's because your average, self-absorbed Parkite just can't seem to obey the law or have any consideration for their neighbor, so it gets punted to animal control to force these imbeciles to comply.
I love dogs, I have 2 of them. But all dogs should be kept under control. That means different things for different dogs. Some can walk with you unleashed but under control. Some dogs should have a muzzle and be leashed at all times. It would be ideal if owners could just use their best judgement. It would be too bad if all dogs get punished just because of a few bad ones that aren't kept under control. I can see all sides of this debate. I have a good dog, a crazy wild dog, and have recently been biten by a dog. The good dog enjoys freedom, the bad dog spends a lot of time at home and never is in public, and I'm now very cautious around strange dogs. I hope good dogs remain free in PC.
Open letter to Jay at the Park Record regarding Park Record reporting bias!
Jay Cheeseburger or whomever it may concern,
Sweet piece in the June 7th Park Record entitled "Democratic chief told to resign" (http://parkrecord.com/todaysheadlines/ci_3906215).
You state:
They {Democratic Party} also are coveting the 53rd District of the Utah House of Representatives. David Ure, the popular Republican incumbent, is seeking a spot in the Utah Senate, leaving the 53rd District an open seat. Democrat Laura Bonham and Republican Mel Brown are the major-party candidates for the seat.
This is the second time in three weeks that you mention two of the three candidates for the 53rd District House seat. Amazingly, it happens to be yours truly left unmentioned both times. You think you got around it this time by stating 'major-party' candidates. Unfortunately, if you had done your research you would know that the Libertarian Party is on the ballot in all 50 states and is the third largest party. I'd say that's not minor. You obviously have an agenda and it doesn't include reporting the full and complete, honest news.
After this June 7th piece your email to me essentially stating that I should have been mentioned in the May 17th piece was a lie. Rest assured I will not stop here. I am documenting the Park Record bias on my campaign web site (www.voteshumway.org), I will modify my ad on your home page so that it mentions your bias (you'll take my ad money but can't bring yourselves to report the news truthfully), I will be writing editorials exposing your bias, and anything else I can do to bring your deceitfulness to the attention of the public.
I'd like to make one last suggestion. Based on your 'reporting' you should change the name of the paper from Park Record to Crock Record.
Most sincerely,
Gary Shumway, CCP,MA,MPH,MBA
Libertarian Candidate
Utah State Representative, District 53
Gary,
Are libertarians against leash laws?
What is the libertarian position on dogs pooping in public places?
Good question. What is the Libertarian position re: leash laws? I 'webcrawled' to see if there were other opinions out there and found blog entries re: this subject at http://www.reason.com/hitandrun/2005/11/dogs_dont_bite.shtml. There are other sites addressing the issue if you care to search (I used Libertarian leash.law).
The Libertarian Statement of Principle professes: "We hold that all individuals have the right to exercise sole dominion over their own lives, and have the right to live in whatever manner they choose, so long as they do not forcibly interfere with the equal right of others to live in whatever manner they choose."
I suggest that a dog who is owned (yes, IMHO pets are owned) and goes around defecating on others property or worse, attacking others (people, other dogs, etc.) is forcibly interfering with the rights of others, thus making the pet owner responsible. If you don't want to get sued or face a fine then control your animal. It is just common sense.
I live in an area of PC where we constantly get dogs relieving themselves on our lawn. This is disgusting and totally irresponsible of the dog owner.
In short, if you want your dog to run free then take them to a place where this makes sense; otherwise, keep them leashed and pick-up after them. Why do we even need leash laws? This seems like it should be a no-brainer to me. Yeah, I know, some people are totally irresponsible...sigh.
Thank you for asking!
AMEN to the person who put the moron in his/her place who said they prefer dogs to people. IT'S A DOG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
You are absolutely right that it speaks to that person's inability to interact in a complex manner. DOGS belong on leashes PERIOD unless they are on their owners' property. I like dogs, grew up with them, never abused one, but still recognize quite clearly that they are just DOGS!!!!! Fines should be HIGHER, not lower, and repeat offending dogs, unfortunately, if not adopted by RESPONSIBLE owners, must be put down. That is sad but only the product of the dog owners' stupidity or laziness!!!!
Scr%w dedicating a large "off leash" area to dogs. That's a waste of land.
KEEP THEM ON A LEASH PERIOD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I say "Leash laws?....NO!
Dogs must experience Freedome...much like children. Children on leash?.....No!
No to leash laws for dogs
No to leash laws for children
Freedome can make for sad life, or good happy life. I chose good happy life...I choose freedome!
Leash law for me?.....No!
Only leash used must be consentual...dogs can't talk, so can't give consent....so NO leash laws!!
To the last e-mailer, what alternative universe are you from ? Brain cells are apparently in short supply in that universe.
If your dog is off-leash around my children, your dog is going to lose - count on it.
To the person who speaks of "freedome" [sic]:
1) Learn to spell
2) Pick your brain out of the dog sh$t; and
3) you might want to admit that you were joking otherwise you may go down as one of the biggest, if not the biggest fool ever to participate in a blog.
Leash laws no joke.
Only consentual leash laws, dogs can't speak so no leash!
I no joke about leash laws.
Leash for me? No!
How much is the fine for the so-called leash law ticket? It's a good thing I am one of the disgustingly rich Parkites with money pouring out of my ears to pay these fines, because my dogs will not be tethered to a leash when playing in any remote field. Take your kids to the playground where the dogs don't play...most of you shouldn't be breeding anyway. Sorry, but it is the hard cold truth. Rock on, Bark City!
To the last e-mailer: How about this...I am very well-educated and, by most standards (even Park City standards) well-off. If I see your dog off-leash and the dog even in the slightest way threatens my children, the dog will be hurting bad as in never moving again! Count on it!
You are the one that should not be breeding you sick, twisted freak...anyone who favors dogs over children should really think twice about commenting about anything...I hear there is an opening for you down in Tijuana for a donkey show since you enjoy animals so much.
To the "disgustingly" rich blogger:
You seem to assume that people in favor of the leash laws are not "disgustingly" rich. As one "disgustingly" rich person to another, I can't stand it when people fail to leash their dogs. You just prove that even "rich" people can lack sense. Obey the law. By the way, if you are fined enough times, I believe Animal Control can eventually take your dog and put it down. Being rich isn't going to help you there.
To the first "disgustingly rich" anonymous e-mailer who commented that most people shouldn't breed. YOU FORGOT TO MENTION YOUR PARENTS.
Don't slam the dude's parents. Just leave a little clandenstine WD-40 in "Disgustingly Rich's" pooch's water bowl -- works every time!
Unleashed dogs are a plague that must be eradicated.
AMEN to the eradication of unleashed dogs!!!!
The rich poster is clearly an elitist man-child.
Can't we all just get along?
I can tell you all need hugs....
What about BOB?
Do any of you remember poor BOB the cat who was brutally attacked on the Rail Trail by unleashed dogs. See chickenfriedrv.blogspot.com for more of the story.
If you don't like the leash law, get it changed, meanwhile don't lash out at the police for enforcing the law YOU put into effect.
Ha, ha...I love to stir you white people up about your spoiled little children. I actually am not rich, and I would never give my real name to a police officer writing me a ticket as I never carry identification (no one will know how many times I've been ticketed.) Anyway, I sure did get a kick out of boiling all of your blogging blood. Try not to get white hair and die of cancer by the time you're 40 from worrying about such petty issues. Calm the F down! (ha ha ha) By the way, the guy that wants to hurt my dog needs to go see a therapist. I hate your kids already. You people are nuts.
Um, isn't the above post racist?
Why hasn't it been deleted?
don't want to disenfranchise?
Whoever is editing is a PC wimp.
Weren’t we warned against racist posts in the immigration thread? Why is this any different.
For example:
Original: “Ha, ha...I love to stir you white people up about your spoiled little children.”
Modified: “Ha, ha…I love to stir you Mexican (black, whatever) people up about your undisciplined little children”
No?
To the self appointed therapists on this blog that somehow feel the need to turn this discussion into a contest of who can be the most persoanlly attaching, or rudest or most fowl mouthed . . . congrats!! You've won, you are the most sinical, fowl mouthed, hateful, racist, self-centered, people out there! (must be easy when you do it under anonymous), and by the way your responses to the other bloggs say just as much about you as they do about the other bloggers.
Now that we have gotten that settled and there is no need to compete for that title, it would be nice if we could return to the discussion that this blogg was intended for, without the personal attacks . . . after all, remember they are just dogs as we have been reminded over and over again.
Everybody knows that PC is filled with self-hating PC freaks unfortunately - that's why the idiot that said "I love to stir up you white people" hasn't been deleted. They are ashamed to have any pride in their heritage and think that is reserved for minorities. Pathetic. Message to Park Record, delete the Mexican's message.
I don't like dogs off-leash, but certainly prefer them to the fool that started bad-mouthing white people. Dogs DO take precedence over fools like that.
Interestingly, the anonymous "can't we all just get along" blogger who wanted to return to the issue originally discussed had nothing to offer with respect to dogs and leash laws. Also, interestingly, this blogger only chimed in after comments were made in response to the moron that started bashing white people, NOT BEFORE. Hmmmm...I smell self-hatred.
that would be because that was my first visit to this blog. I had heard about it and thought it would be interesting to read and found it fowl and completely missing the point. And no it was not just the comments regarding the racial comments it was a lot of the comments. I could list them, but there were so many . . . and forgive me for being someone who is not filled with hate and nasty things to say, I didn't realize it was a requirement and I am happily not returnig to this blog. So bash me all you want hope it makes you feel powerful and in charge and smart and why ever else you do it . . . as for my opinion on the leash law, I agree whole heartedly that it is in place for good reason. But I think there maybe good arguments and solutions for the other side and I was hoping to hear them hear, but I suppose I expected too much. and by the way you hypocrite, you failed to weigh in on your opinion as well. Have fun bashing each other.
Let's get back on track here...dogs off-leashes are potential menaces and people need to obey the laws. In my less than humble opinion, I believe the fines should be even higher.
My dogs has been attacked multiple (five at the last count) in Summit Park and it seems that the owners don't care. Don't stand in your yard calling your dog as it runs at and attacks mine. If you can't control your dog, keep it leashed or in a fenced yard. I have had enough, next time it is pepper spray or a bullet. And if your dog attacks my child or family, be prepared to go to jail and be sued by the most evil lawyer I can find.
The Park Record introduction to this particular blog is a bit off in part where it states "but when the alternative is getting a ticket, or worse, possibly being run over or shot". It should read "but when the alternative is getting a ticket, or BETTER, possibly being run over or shot".
AMEN TO THE LAST BLOGGER...KEEP YOUR DAMN DOGS ON LEASHES!!!!!!!!!
There is, it is called The Bible.
Very few people can overpower a hostile/aggressive dogs and a leash will only buy seconds in case of an attack. Dogs and their owners need to be certified as "good citizens" through a official K9 course. This should become a mandatory requirement before optaining k9 license. Leash Law can be adopted in the City proper and dogs can roam semi-freely in other areas under the control of the owner.
WOW! There are a lot of opinions here and both sides have valid points.
Here is mine. I'm a dog owner and treat my dog as a member of the family. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not delusional in thinking that he is a human but he is "mans' best friend". I would never knowingly or willingly put him in a situation that would jeopardize his life or the life and/or well being of others. This means keeping him/her on a leash where required by law or when appropriate. This also means taking the time to train and socialize him/her properly. Whether you have children or pets you want to protect them. We are not able to completely communicate with animals and cannot tell them about our rules.
Here it is:
1. Keep your dog on a leash to protect it and others.
2. Use common sense.
3. Clean up after him/her.
If you cannot provide the proper home for your dog, pay for registration, tags, vaccines and the vet then you are not ready to own one! Nor are you even close to being able to have and raise children for that matter.
Everyone is entitled to their opinion and that was mine. Be thankful you live in country where you can have one and say what you want to say, including language that may not be pleasant so everyone ears/eyes.
Protect your family which includes your dog. If you let your dog roam the neighborhood then you are responsible for what it does, Just like you are responsible for your child’s actions when they get in trouble.
GROW UP AND TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR YOUR OWN ACTIONS AND THOSE THAT ARE IN YOUR CARE.
Sincerely,
An Old Town/Midway local and business owner.
I'd like to be able to peacefully walk on the sidewalk and in the public park without being constantly accosted by dogs on overly long leashes or no leash at all.
I have nothing against dogs themselves, but I have considered using pepperspray on the untrained dogs that come too close - any veterinarians in here, what do you think, would any lasting harm come to a dog from breathing pepperspray?
we have a dog and love hiking. we would love to let her lose and let her roam, but there are several reasons why I feel that all dogs should remain on a leash.
1. Our dog is a large Malamute and is an Alpha dog. She will attack any dog that comes near her when another dog is not on a leash. So for the sake of keeping people's dogs that roam safe, that is one reason to leash your dog.
2. We like to fish also. Many dogs will be running at a fast pace towards us, leaving their owners far behind, growling and looking like they are ready to attack. We have no idea what the dog will do when they approach us, but everyone always says "He's a nice dog" With the running and growling at us, we always look for something to hit the dog with. We are considering using Pepper Spray from now on. So, to keep your dogs happy and healthy, I would again advise you to leash your dog.
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