My dog likes to hike and bike as much as I do. The one-size-fits-all
leash laws punish all for the actions of a few. Not to mention that
putting dogs on-leash does not necessarily quell the worries over
unruly dogs. The dogs that killed Diane Whipple in San Francisco were
on-leash, returning from a walk at the time of the attack.
I propose
that we collaborate on a more sophisticated tiered-licensing system
that separates the Cujos from the Lassies. Incidentally, it could be a
moneymaker for a resource-limited city. I would happily fork over a $50
fee to participate in the system. I’d even volunteer my time if that
would help the city make it happen. It could look something like this:
Tier 1: The Off-Leash License. To qualify, owners and their dogs would have to display the following:
1. A reliable use of “heeling” in a real-world distraction-filled environment.
2.Responds unfailingly to the commands “come” and “stop.”
3.A lack of aggressive behavior toward any living creature.
Once awarded a Bend Off-Leash License, dog and owner would still be subject to a code, honoring and respecting the society we all live in. The dog would have to display a prominent (brightly colored) tag, awarded by the city, so that passersby don’t have to wonder if this is a dangerous or out-of-control dog coming toward them. Further, there are likely spots in town where dogs always need to be on-leash, regardless of licensing.
Tier 2: The On-Leash License. This license qualifies owners to bring their dogs to public places, but requires them to remain on-leash unless they’re in a designated off-leash area such as one of our newly established dog-parks. Again, a distinguishing tag to let others know your licensing level.
Tier 3: The Keep ’em Home License. This license qualifies owners to have their dogs on private property and in cars only. Perhaps this keeps dangerous dogs out of all public spaces and minimizes the frightening attacks we see in the news.
By the way, not all of us non-leashers are lazy about picking up poop, or even lazy at all. My dog and I cover at least 15 miles a week and I pick up dozens of her poops. Every jacket I own has pockets overflowing with doggie bags at the ready. Isn’t it time to let the ranting and fear mongering go and set out for a thinking solution?
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This article appears in Apr 23-29, 2009.
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this is a great idea! I’d like to add that off leash dog parks are not a cure all for all dogs hoping to be off-leash. Frankly, at 5 pm, my dog and i get somewhat nervous at the energy a pack of ten or so strong, large dogs create. My dog would much rather be off leash running behind my bike, which we do in other places, and really get some exercise and off leash quality time. So let’s keep thinking of solutions!
I say we leave the dogs off leashes and start putting kids on them. It would cut down on vandalism and kidnapping and make the parents responsible for how their children behave in public. Behavior all goes back to the “owner”! LOL!
A few years back I would have agreed with you, but after seeing my girlfriends Dalmatian of 7 years that was nothing but loving to everyone and every thing, bear it’s teeth and growl at a young child, because he was obviously scared of dogs, it really changed my mind. It only takes a split second for a dog to switch gears, and revert back to instinct. I understand that the child had obviously been bitten by a dog or had a bad encounter with one, but that was not the child’s fault. I am all for leash laws. I am even more for off leash fenced dog parks รข LARGE ONESรข ย
Do you people even realize that your basking in the power of telling some one else what to do?
And also don’t forget the $10 million liability insurance policy that the “off-leash” licensees require.
Enough of the “my dog’s different.” Just leash it. Leash laws are appropriate, even though it’s slightly less fun and cool to be in public with a leashed dog.
“Well-behaved” dogs can actually be more dangerous than the “beware-of” dogs, because no one thinks it’s in their character to be aggressive.
Well even people don’t act in “character” sometimes, and to the extent an animal can even have “character” or “principles,” well, trust your own kid’s face to your dog’s character, not mine.