by Pam Petersen
Many of us do bring our four-legged friends with us to the lake whether for the weekend, the summer or the year. Having them here should be pleasurable both for their owners and for other lake residents and guests. Sometimes, however, that’s not the case.
Although you know your dog’s personality around other people, children, or other animals, the people and animals you may encounter out walking do not know your pet. They may have had previous uncomfortable or even dangerous encounters with animals and are not reassured by your saying, ‘He’s a nice dog.’ There is also the possibility of your pet being ‘spooked’ by a vehicle, animal or even a child, a situation which can make your ‘always well behaved’ pet feel the need to defend itself or you.
And, of course, you might feel threatened by someone else’s dog. There are both legal and common- sense considerations about having a dog leashed or not, whether on its owner’s property or on the common roads. It is important, if you feel that someone is not properly controlling and restraining their dog, your first attempt at remedying the situation is to talk with the owner. A civil expression of your concerns, especially if there are specific incidents that you can relate, will help in coming to an agreement that both parties feel comfortable with. If the situation cannot be resolved in a neighborly manner, then there is a specific order of formal complaint spelled out in the Hubbard County Animal Ordinance. Click here for a link to the Hubbard County Animal Ordinance
Our pets are members of our families and our community. Let’s work together to make their presence at the lake be pleasant, safe and enjoyable for everyone!
