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June 7, 2006
Dogs - Big and Little - Leash Laws Rule!
I did not know whether to put this blog under Owner frustration or Board member frustration. In any event, living in a close, densely populated development with pets is not easy - especially for your neighbors.
For the dog owner, what are they to do? They live in an area where there is nowhere to take the dog to run or poop in the morning ... no way to get in and out quickly. With big dogs, this is especially frustrating. The pet needs to get exercise and to do that they need to stretch their legs. I am a dog lover. I understand.
However, ... what about the neighbors? The issue is particularly close to home right now as my daughter and her husband live in a very densely populated region, in a townhouse where there is no common area other than the pool and clubhouse, a bit of green in the sidewalks leading to the doors where the only way to go is up once you are inside, and runways between the garages barely wide enough to make the turn to get into the tandem garages. This young couple has a two year old and a baby and my daughter takes them out every day for a walk. On a regular basis they are accosted by a big dog running loose. The dog owner is present, but not kind enough to keep the dog on a leash (even though the CC&Rs and the local animal ordinances, and state law, require it!). "He's friendly" the owner always shouts as the dog runs up to greet the children and dances around them. So what!! The problem is that the two year old is smaller than the dog and has been traumatized by its conduct. Viewing things from the eyes of a two year old full of wonder but not free of all fears, this is a serious affront - one that can be easily avoided. My daughter has talked to the owner of the dog several times, explained the child's fears and politely asked the owner to keep the dog on the leash when in the complex. The owner's response: politely listen ... and ignore.
Get it people! The dog is not the problem. The owner is the problem, and unfortunately, is among many who do not have a courteous nature and good manners, and should not be living in a close, densely populated townhouse with a big dog.
Leash laws are passed for a reason. I go through this discussion with every board that is in the process of dealing with dog issues or amending governing documents. In many cases, the directors are either trying to be overly friendly, neighborly, or self-indulgent because they have their own "baby" who would never cause anyone any trouble off leash. Dogs need to be on a leash and under control of the person walking them when in the common areas. Big fines for failure to follow the rules are justified.
What can happen if people do not comply?
--Children, elderly people and people with animal fears can be traumatized, even by the friendliest dogs.
--Other dogs can yank their owners off their feet if they are on leashes and go after the dog running free (this has actually happened and resulted in a lawsuit by injured owner following the rules).
--Dogs can accidentally (or on purpose) bite children who are holding food or toys and try to protect them when the big dog wants to play, or who reach for the dog toy being carried around by the dog (yes, this has happened too and resulted in a lawsuit).
--Dogs can get into bushes and do business in places where it is not convenient to clean up, but is a mess for the gardners.
--Dogs can unexpectedly attack other dogs, chase (and traumatize) resident squirrels and birds even when friendly to people.
--Dogs can run up to people dressed for work and slobber on their clothes (yes, this has happened also).
Other problems with dogs in close places:
--Barking and yapping is cruel and unusual punishment for neighbors who like to enjoy a quiet environment in their homes.
--Dogs that are found uninsurable by some insurance companies can be very unpredictable and turn on humans without warning.
--Associations are a target for legal claims, a deep pocket easily tapped when a dog causes harm or damage to residents, and owners, including the dog owners, suffer when the Association is sued.
-Big dogs make big piles, little dogs can get ornry and yap, and lonely dogs tend to whine all day.
Think about it. Find a home for the dog that needs to room to roam.
Posted by Beth Grimm at June 7, 2006 9:26 AM