Oregon: Residents walk armed in fear of dog attacks

OREGON -- Some John Day residents have taken to walking the streets armed due to fears of dog attacks.

During a Sept. 13 city council meeting, community members shared stories of repeated attacks and expressed fear it was only a matter of time until a person was seriously hurt. A series of solutions were brought up, including a mandatory licensing system, incentives to spay and neuter, an animal control specialist and a code enforcement officer.

One community member said the problem has gotten so bad he and his wife carry pepper spray and an aluminum baseball bat when they walk their dog for fear of attack.

A full-time animal control professional would be beyond the city’s current budget. If it were made a county issue, there were fears the space would be too vast for one person to cover. Other issues brought forward were the lack of a holding area for problem dogs and that pet owners might disown problem animals once they were impounded.

Community members noted the majority of dogs and pet owners in the area are responsible and well behaved and said the meeting was to deal with only a handful of problem animals.

“We don’t want to walk around with ball bats,” one community member said. “What’s an old lady like me to do?”

Councilwoman Lisa Weigum was in favor of a licensing program for dogs that would add accountability for the owner. Additionally, licensing fees and fines could provide a financial base to add infrastructure and personnel to deal with the issue.

Another major issue brought up was the attitude of people toward wayward animals, that dogs will be dogs and there’s no changing that.

“There’s gotta be some incentive for social change,” Councilman Paul Smith said.

Another possible part of a solution that was discussed was an education program that would inform owners of the current ordinances in place to help keep animals and people safe.

City Manager Nick Green said he would look into funding options and report back to the council.

(Blue Mountain Eagle - Sept 16, 2016)