Unleashed Dogs

For many folks, dogs have long been regarded as “man’s best friend”.  The truth of the matter is that many people do not hold dogs in such high esteem and some are downright frightened and intimidated by them.  Dog owners need to understand and accept that their comfort level with their canine is not shared by everyone. When confronted by a strange dog, many, if not most people, react with varying degrees of anxiety.  Often times the owner is right there or nearby saying, “don’t worry, he won’t bite”, but the approach of a dog can be very unsettling or scary to many and we can never truly predict what an animal will do.  The bottom line is that people should not have to deal with dogs that are not controlled by their owner or handler through the use of a proper leash. Walkers, joggers, and bicyclists should be able to safely recreate throughout the city without worry.

The Police Department and the Parks and Recreation Department have again received a number of complaints about people walking their dogs without a leash.  Many of these reported violations are occurring in Irvine Park, a favorite place for many folks trying to get in a good walk, run, or bicycle ride.  It also seems to be a popular place to take dogs for a walk.  We should be able to accommodate both if dog owners comply with the City’s Ordinance 12.11(17).  This ordinance states that dogs and cats “shall be considered as running at large when it is not on the premises of its owner, unless it is on a leash”.  The retractable leashes that are very popular now certainly are convenient and allow Fido more room to roam, but Ordinance 12.11 (20b) dictates that a proper leash shall not be more than six (6) feet in length.  The problem with the extra length is that animals can suddenly bolt at a person, into someone’s yard or into traffic and the handler does not have adequate time to react to retract the leash before the damage is done.  This very scenario has occurred in the city on several occasions in the recent past.  The fact that the animal was leashed did not alleviate the danger or the liability because the leash length was excessive and did not allow for adequate control.  Officers have been asked to step up enforcement of the leash law in the City, particularly in Irvine Park.  Violators are subject to a fine of $154.50 for the first offense.

Dog owners are also legally responsible to pick up any droppings left behind by their pet.  Most people are good about cleaning up messes left on the property of others.  Unfortunately, some animal owners seem to feel that school grounds, church lots and parks are good places to let their dog defecate without having to pick up behind them.  Of course these locations are also favorite places for children to run and play.  We expect kids to get dirty while out playing.  However, that should not include contact with animal waste that pet owners have left behind.  Also, the caretakers of these properties, whether public or private, should not be burdened with cleaning up after irresponsible pet owners.  Violations of this nature have also been recently brought to our attention and we will take enforcement action as necessary.  The penalty for these violations is also $154.50. 

Some cities have taken the step to ban dogs from parks and other public places.  With the cooperation of responsible pet owners all of us should be able to safely and peacefully share our beautiful parks and playgrounds.  For other questions about animal care and control issues, feel free to contact the police department at 723-4424 or you can access us via our website:  www.ci.chippewa-falls.wi.us/Departments/Police.

Submitted by Lt. Mark Hanson