Thank you, Seattle Animal Control

[Jeannie]

Off-leash dogs in parks is an ongoing problem, and it has nothing to do with whether or not we love dogs (I do!). So imagine my pleasure when I got a call from an officer with Seattle Animal Control this afternoon.

I had spoken with him about a year ago, voicing my concerns about inconsiderate dog owners who let their critters run loose in Lincoln Park, particularly on the beach. Even though he was just ending his shift, he was kind enough to take a few minutes to call and update me on the situation.

They have hired several people to patrol Lincoln Park, and they’ve already issued about a dozen warnings or tickets in the past few days. He and I agreed that some people simply aren’t aware of the rules (despite the signs), but he said most are well aware yet think the rules don’t apply to them (ah, yes, the Entitled Ones).

He strongly urges good citizens to call Animal Control – 206-386-7387 – if they see an off-leash dog in Lincoln Park or elsewhere. Even if you can’t get the owner’s license plate, just call in and report the violation. It isn’t tattling, it’s protecting our precious parks and wildlife. With the warm weather here, more and more people are out with their dogs in Lincoln Park. I’ve seen big dogs running toward little kids and frightening them. Doesn’t matter if the dog is just being friendly – it can still be scary. Dogs are perfectly happy walking on leashes.

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[anonyme]

Jeannie, thank you for your post. This is heartening news. Unfortunately, enforcement is the only answer to this problem, and I’m glad that Animal Control is stepping up and addressing the issues at Lincoln Park. I’m afraid conscience is a thing of the past.

I’m also glad to hear you point out that dogs are perfectly happy walking on leashes. It’s the truth; your dog wants to be with you. Being off-leash has nothing to do with the dog’s sense of well-being, and everything to do with the owner’s sense of entitlement. I don’t know how many times I’ve seen someone with an off-leash dog who justifies their action by saying the dog stays close by their side at all times. If that is the case, how does a leash do any harm?

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[miws]

Thank you, Jeannie. Glad to hear they’ve finally been able to bring extra staff onboard, and will be patrolling.

…..I’ve seen someone with an off-leash dog who justifies their action by saying the dog stays close by their side at all times.

And I’ll bet in some cases “…close by their side…” is ten feet ahead while the owner is aimlessly ambling, fiddling with their cell phone. :-/

Mike

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[JoB]

while they holler come fido come fido come here fido come here now fido don’t make me come get you fido get over here.. now

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[AJP]

This is great news! I don’t care if your dog is the nicest, sweetest dog ever, if it comes up to my kid, my kid will be frightened. Little kids are at the same height or smaller than big dogs. If an animal that weighs more than you, with a big mouth, a drooling tongue, and pointy teeth came right to your face, would you be happy about it?

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[clulessinws]

It’s about time. Glad this is finally happening after years of reporting issues there. Thanks to everyone making this a priority as we’ve talked over the years on this forum.

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[B-squared]

Thanks Jeannie, for your post and for phoning in the complaint. I’ve got A.C on speed dial – maybe if we inundate them, the enforcement will continue and make a difference. people only seem to understand monetary penalties anymore:-(

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[JKB]

Yep, AC goes in my contacts list too.

And as someone who’s never been comfortable around dogs (yeah, there are reasons. Better about it than I once was, but still) it’s gradually sunk in that it’s not the dog’s fault. It’s the owner’s.

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[JanS]

http://dogsinneedofspace.com/2012/12/01/my-dog-is-friendly-a-public-service-announcement/

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[JanS]

http://iheartdogs.com/do-you-know-what-a-yellow-ribbon-tied-on-a-dogs-collar-means/

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[kayo]

JanS thanks for posting those articles. I have my own rescue DINOS dog and am a stealth ninja on walks. This article perfectly sums up our situation. Funny and sad at the same time. It’s a reality we are happy to accept given how completely wonderful and loving our sweet dog is at all other times. Also glad to hear about the uptick in enforcement at LP. We will still avoid it with our guy but hopefully this will cut down on the environmental damage, etc, caused by the many off leash dogs there. And yes, dogs are fine being walked on leash. I really don’t think our dog misses out at all. He gets lots of leashed walks and is one happy guy.

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[TreyseaLin]

Totally disagree that dogs are “just as happy being on leash” but also agree that dogs should only be off-leash where safe and allowed by law.

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[JanS]

with dog ownership comes responsibility. If you have a breed of dog, a bigger dog, that needs to go out and run to blow off steam, etc., then go to a dog park, or have a back yard, not an apartment with just a deck. While you love your dog, I don’t. I don’t want your dog running up to me, period. Because of disability, I am not very surefooted, and lose my balance easily, even walking with a cane. Do not assume that I am OK with your beloved companion running up to/at me. Your dog does not own you, you own the dog, and SHOULD be in control. Your precious little snowflake is not that special(nor are you). Leash up when in public places, please.

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[Jeannie]

Ha! I am confident that our dogs are perfectly happy being on leashes in parks. And wildlife is happier, too, when our dogs are on leashes.

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[kayo]

I’ll ask my dog if he is ok with just our daily hour long leashed walks. :). Seriously though, I actually think being off leash would totally stress him out because he is a rescue, half blind and quite fearful of other dogs (and some people). It certainly stresses us both out a ton when we encounter off leash dogs on our walks. Just like humans, dogs have distinct personalities and past experiences that shape who they are. I had no idea what it was like to have a Dinos dog until we rescued this one. Now I totally get how scary the world can be for these types of dogs and how important it is to give them clear boundaries that make them feel safer. The bottom line is that it is our responsibility as city dwelling dog owners to follow the rules, regardless of how wonderful and well behaved we think our dogs might be.

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