TENNESSEE -- Why do pet owners continue to let their dogs — specifically large dogs and with vicious dispositions — run loose in our community?
I take daily walks and cannot count the times I have encountered these dogs. It doesn't matter whether the neighborhood is blighted or more affluent; the attitude is the same. The owners of these dogs think nothing of their irresponsibility, and why should they? There seem to be no consequences for their actions. The authorities appear apathetic toward the problem.
I own a dog and two cats. It is frightening to take my little dog for a walk and out of nowhere comes an angry, snarling dog that tries to attack both of us, yet that is what happened to me the other night.
The authorities were called, came out, saw the dog loose, and told the owner to put the dog up even though I said the dog tried to attack my 11-pound dog. The dogs at this address frequently run loose.
Am I supposed to feel protected?
It is against the law to allow your dogs to run loose, and I am furious that this violation is allowed to continue. It is yet another problem that makes this city a less pleasant and less desirable place to live.
Other people can have their large, aggressive dogs if they want, but keep them away from me. They need to be confined and leashed. I do not want to become another statistic.
Suzanne Rokitka, Memphis
(Memphis Commercial Appeal - Dec 9, 2012)
