Why Do Dog Owners Think They Have the Right To Disobey Leash Laws?
@bagarad (14283)
Paso Robles, California
February 9, 2018 11:13pm CST
Some dog owners are respectful of the law when they walk their dogs on the public streets or in the parks where leash laws are in effect. But many aren't. Many dog owners also ignore signs in public parks that say "No Dogs Allowed."
I am one of the people who is somewhat afraid of large dogs running up to me. Many I have known in the past weren't well-behaved and greeted me by jumping on me and almost knocking me over. That's what I was afraid of when these dogs you see in the photo were running toward me with no leashes while I was walking on the trail beside the park tonight. Those appear to be their owners standing there talking and unconcerned about the activities of their dogs.
Many older folks walk in parks for exercise. Some even walk their own dogs, on leashes. Many have fragile bones making a fall dangerous. Even some walking their own small dogs on a leash are afraid of larger strange dogs attacking their small dogs. Dogs on a leash are near their owners who can help control them.
Some people have had traumatic experiences with dogs. I was walking one night in my old neighborhood with a neighbor who was so scared of dogs that she screamed and practically jumped into my arms when a SMALL dog came toward her. She had been attacked by a dog when she was a child.
Why can't all dog owners be more sensitive to the fears of others and follow the laws meant to protect all citizens so they can enjoy their parks, too. Why do some dog owners seem to believe those laws are just for other people and their dogs?
We have some designated dog parks where dogs can be off leash, and that is posted. Those afraid of dogs running loose can stay out of those parks. But people should not have to fear being attacked or knocked down by a dog who should be on a leash and isn't. What do you think?
15 people like this
14 responses
@LadyDuck (472060)
• Switzerland
10 Feb 18
I agree that dog owners should be more sensitive. I am scared by dogs, I had a bad experience when I was a child. Here dogs are only allowed without lease in dog parks, that are always fenced. If something like you describe happened to me, I would send this photo to the local police and they would take care to contact the owner, fine the owner and warn her that the next time the dog will be taken away from her and sent to a shelter.
2 people like this
@bagarad (14283)
• Paso Robles, California
10 Feb 18
I'm not sure the all the people in the picture are the dog owners, though I think one of them owns one of the dogs. And since we all live in the same neighborhood, even though we aren't acquainted there can still be retaliation.
1 person likes this
@bagarad (14283)
• Paso Robles, California
10 Feb 18
I think many people are, especially of big dogs. Dog are, after all, related to wolves and coyotes which have attacked people in the wild. Domestic dogs can look just as threatening and be just as large.
@allknowing (137812)
• India
10 Feb 18
Most dogs that are seen here roaming the streets are mild and are not known to attack any one. I am more concerned that they could be knocked down by vehicles.
2 people like this
@allknowing (137812)
• India
11 Feb 18
@bagarad Our pet is confined. She is free to roam around in the property as we have strong boundary walls.
1 person likes this
@bagarad (14283)
• Paso Robles, California
11 Feb 18
@allknowing That makes sense. I think dogs should be able to roam freely on their own property as long as they can't get off it to bother anyone else.
@bagarad (14283)
• Paso Robles, California
10 Feb 18
A dog doesn't have to be in attack mode to hurt someone. Even a friendly greeting of a big dog jumping up on a person without intent to harm can push that person over or frighten them badly. And, yes, dogs do get run over when allowed to run loose. They can also get lost or kidnapped. That's why they should be confined to their own property or on a leash in public places.
1 person likes this
@JohnRoberts (109846)
• Los Angeles, California
10 Feb 18
Don't even get me started on the subject. Dog owners don't understand my hatred of dogs even when I show the scars on my stomach from being mauled by a German shepherd as a child.
2 people like this
@bagarad (14283)
• Paso Robles, California
10 Feb 18
I know many responsible dog owners who have well-behaved pets, and would not let their dogs terrorize others. Dogs can be a great comfort to those who live alone and those who need them as service dogs or watch dogs. They have been a great help to people, but those who have helped most have been well-trained for their jobs. I would never deny my friends who love, care for, and properly train their dogs the opportunity to have them. But there are some people who should not have dogs or any other pet.
1 person likes this
@Mshafeeq (1445)
• Bangalore, India
10 Feb 18
Dogs are a great companions and comforting to many but sometimes they are as wild as the wild dogs, i had very bad incident with dogs like all 5 to 6 dogs attacked me at once i was alone on the road and it was horrific situation for me to handle it. Thanks to God who saved me.
2 people like this
@m_audrey6788 (58472)
• Germany
10 Feb 18
I observed the same around here and the owners think that their dogs will not do anything to you and that you must have to pass through with them whether you like it or not 
1 person likes this
@bagarad (14283)
• Paso Robles, California
10 Feb 18
I like to think these irresponsible dog owners just don't understand how frightening their dogs can be to strangers. But the truth is that many of them just don't care enough to do something about it, such as putting that leash on. The leashes were in the owners' hands.
1 person likes this
@bagarad (14283)
• Paso Robles, California
10 Feb 18
We never know that dog's history or whether it really is being friendly or not, so we assume not. Dogs can also tell if we are afraid of them and take advantage of it. My husband likes all dogs, assumes they are friends, and treats them that way and pets them. My son had a way with all animals, even though a Doberman had once mauled his sister. Maybe he was too young then to remember it. It happened before we adopted the children.
@bagarad (14283)
• Paso Robles, California
11 Feb 18
@mydanods The police will take away a dog that has actually bitten someone to test it for rabies and then they probably fine the owner if the dog is healthy or kill the dog if it's infected. But who wants to wait and get bitten?
1 person likes this
@nanette64 (20364)
• Fairfield, Texas
10 Feb 18
Some idiots just believe that 'any' law doesn't apply to them @bagarad .
1 person likes this
@andriaperry (117146)
• Anniston, Alabama
10 Feb 18
I hate that too.
My nephew was terrified of dogs and would climb us when he heard one bark
2 people like this
@bagarad (14283)
• Paso Robles, California
10 Feb 18
Dogs can be great companions and comforting to many of my friends. Probably if I'd grown up with one in the house I wouldn't fear them so much, but since our new neighbors (not so new now) moved in with two dogs I am almost afraid to go to our old house in Templeton alone. They keep their large dog tied up, but they let the small one loose when it doesn't appear we are there. If I drive in she runs up to me and tried to jump on me and she has almost tripped me. If the owner knows I'm there he will come get her and keep her confined, but she's one reason I don't like going home anymore. I much prefer the cats running loose.
1 person likes this
@nitirrbb7 (4317)
• India
14 Feb 18
That's not right the owners seem to be least bothered about their dogs in the picture which you have posted, did you have a word with them of what their negligence could caused you.
1 person likes this
@nitirrbb7 (4317)
• India
14 Feb 18
@bagarad That's really bad of them to behave that way. And I agree with you people can be quite unpredictable at times.
1 person likes this
