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When dogs are out, they
belong on a leash
May 15, 2008
One of the things I love about my Bywater neighborhood of colorful
shotgun houses is knowing that other dog lovers surround me. What I
don't love is the chance that I might step outside with my leashed
dogs and encounter an unleashed dog. It can make for a potentially
explosive situation, no matter the friendliness of either pet.
As Donna of Mid-City points out, an unleashed dog, even when
accompanied by its human, is not at all cool. The owners "cannot
protect their pets and they definitely cannot be responsible and
exercise control for the safety of others," Donna wrote.
The reason an encounter between a leashed and an unleashed dog can
be a combustible mix is that the leashed dog feels "trapped" in an
inescapable situation. He or she is unable to carry out the
traditional greetings that dogs exhibit when meeting a fellow canine
for the first time. The leashed dog also can become overly
protective of the owner, feeling that they both are threatened.
Likewise, the leashed dog's behavior can be misinterpreted by the
unleashed dog as aggression. It doesn't help that the human holding
the leashed dog may exhibit nervous behavior and body language that
can exacerbate the reaction of the leashed dog.
The safest place for dogs to run leash free are in designated dog
parks where all the dogs are off-leash, able to speak their own
language and safely get to know one another.
Thankfully, New Orleans soon will have an official dog park, but as
many dog lovers know, there are unofficial dog parks throughout the
city where dogs and their humans can safely interact.
Be aware that Orleans Parish has a leash law that is enforced by the
Louisiana SPCA. The ordinance outlines that any dog that is found
"running at large" can be impounded and the owner or keeper
ticketed. The reason for the ordinance is to protect the animal that
is susceptible to being hit by a car, being attacked or even being
abused by people. It's also a public safety issue.
If you have a problem with an off-leash dog in your neighborhood,
you're urged to contact the LA/SPCA's animal control department at
(504) 368-5191, ext. 100.
Walking our dogs should be a pleasant experience for our dogs and
us; not one of fear for what may be just around the corner.
-
Gloria Dauphin
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