DOGS: Obey leash laws

Thankfully most abide by the law and ordinance that is in place and leash their dogs in City Park and surrounding parks. But there are still those dog owners who blatantly break the law and disobey all of the “posted” signs around the park and at both entrances of the playground area forbidding dogs to even be near the playground.

Leashed or unleashed, the ordinance states clearly on the signs posted around Ft. Sherman-City Park and McEuen Park that dogs must also be kept off the grass. It is also unlawful to have one’s dog chase the local wildlife. Yet there are some who are under the false impression that they are exempt from following the leash law and potentially put toddlers, young children and adults in danger of being bitten.

Dogs bite, maim and even kill people every day all over the world — leashed and unleashed — and no one, especially children, should have to be subjected to the risk of this. Also, Animal Control encourages those who may have a license plate number and/or an address to pursue in regard to unleashed dogs. The posted signs near the playground area also specifically state, FOR THE SAFETY OF OTHERS, NO DOGS. Heaven forbid, if there is a dog nip or bite issue in the future, it would mean legal problems for the irresponsible dog owner(s) and quite possibly the city itself for not keeping it enforced and patrolled more often.

There are plenty of DOG PARKS. A public park is NOT one’s own personal dog park. Following the LEASH LAW that is in place is NOT about not being dog friendly, but instead about bringing to light a problem that makes quite a few residents uncomfortable when walking through the park, especially with children at their side. Abiding by the posted signs and ordinance posted around the park keeps adults and children safer and the dog poo down to a minimum. Unleashed dogs are a blatant slap to all the responsible dog owners who leash their dogs and keep them on the proper paths.

PAUL ANTHONY

Coeur d’Alene