Diatribe: Leash Laws Exist To Protect Animals As Well As People.

We have two dogs that we always keep on a leash or under “voice control” whenever they are outside with us. They are never left alone outdoors. When we bought our house almost ten years ago, a neighbor’s dog promptly greeted us and made herself at home. To this day, I consider her a nuisance.

Last Saturday, a different neighbor’s dogs were found chasing our horses. I’m sure that, should conflict have ensued the horses would have triumphed, but the dogs may have been injured. Another neighbor has a small dog that is allowed to run loose and chase passing cars. Like most communities, the county in which I live has “Leash Laws”.

Pet owners who allow their pets to roam unattended are putting the animals’ welfare in jeopardy and creating a nuisance to neighbors, other pets and wildlife.  These activities, in many towns and cities, are illegal. Leash laws exist across the country to protect animals and people and responsible pet owners are urged to abide by them. In most states, any animal control officer, police officer, or appropriate law enforcement agent can issue a summons upon witnessing a violation.

Many leash laws address situations involving uncontrolled dogs in vehicles, i.e. dogs riding with their heads out the window and dogs travelling untethered in the bed of a pickup truck.  All of these activities are dangerous to the dog and obstruct a driver’s view to say the least.

There are many conscientious pet owners that train their dogs in obedience classes, keep up with medications, and follow leash laws.  If these laws were more publicized and enforced all the animals, as well as people, would ultimately be safer.

UPDATE 11/28/11:  Inconsiderate neighbors allowed their dogs to kill neighborhood cat (pictured here).