Comments on: Should Salem have a Leash Law?

By: Matt Smith

Matt Smith — Fri, 14 May 2010 03:59:11 +0000

100% Yes. I normally would not have given this topic much attention. However, 2 months ago I was walking with our small dog, (on a leash), to the mailbox near Wes Bennet when we were approached by a very angry golden retriever (yes, not a typo). Despite picking up my dog and trying to protect it, she was bitten on the rear and had to have stitches to to mend a large gash. There is no reason that every dog out on a walk should not be leashed for it’s safety and others.

By: Tim

Tim — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 04:41:17 +0000

A leash law is not only designed to keep dogs restrained, it is to keep them safe as well. I have a sweet heart of a dog, but once I leave the house he has a leash on. Part of being a responsible pet owner.

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By: Rick

Rick — Sat, 18 Jul 2009 15:43:23 +0000

Yes, I walk by two dogs, on leashes. Every so often a (usually bigger)dog is in a yard with the owner, and the dog’s inclination is usually to come over and just say “hi” to mine. However, my two are afraid of bigger dogs and so will act agressive. I avoid their contact with these dogs. Most owners will call their dog right back, and many dogs obey; some do not. I’ve had several situations of trying to hold my two back, who are growling and snapping, while the unleashed one is trying to sniff them out. Of course, the unleashed one sometimes is not so intimidated by my two, and a few times has started to growl/bark back, which just amplifies the situation. One of these days there will be a dog fight and I fear mine will lose. Then we have a bigger problem involving police and other liability.

I wish mine would not agress like this, but I keep them on a leash and (try to keep them) away from other dogs. Most owners use common sense by not letting their untrained dogs wander; a few do not have such sense. Admittedly, you cannot legsilate common sense, but maybe a leash law will resonate with a few more owners about potential problems, liabilities regarding their pets.

By: angel

angel — Mon, 18 May 2009 18:57:01 +0000

Its needed. I am from Portland, and am used to the entire world basically revolving around animals. I came here and started working for a local rescue in order to continue my passion for animals. Loose animals are bad on many levels. Having loose animals run at you is scary even for an animal professional, because lets face it. The dog who is running around loose is the untrained dog, often that bites and at least that jumps up on you. (What if you are one of the unemployed who is waiting to ride a bus to an interview?) Also there are dogs who go for walks on leash who are dog aggressive. These animals have rights too, and are being respectful of your well behaved animals by NOT taking them where there are potentially going to be loose dogs. As a trainer, one of the things I most often tell people is to get their dogs OUT and be exercised. Its unsafe.

Your dog may be the well trained angel. I certainly hope all of our animals are well cared for and well loved. Unfortunately, many many many here are NOT. Its a sad fact. Generally animals who are lose are GOING to get hurt, even if its by a panicked human kicking your dog. Its not worth it.

If you think its not needed, volunteer for a while at any of the rescues, marion county dog control, or willamette humane society. Really watch how many of these animals were loose. Then ask for a copy of how many animals were put down.

By: Amy

Amy — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 23:22:37 +0000

Is there really a need for this? I own two small dogs and we walk twice a day so I know that every dog in my neighborhood is either kept in a yard or on a leash while out for a walk. What if my dogs runs out the front door and onto the sidewalk? Will I be fined? Or will enforcement be looking for dogs that roam without any supervision? I’m not totally against the idea but it just seems we might be adding another layer of bureaucracy which will really accomplish nothing. Perhaps other neighborhoods have problems with wandering dogs but mine doesn’t as far as I’ve seen. A law like this might result in phone calls to enforcement because Fido jumped the fence and by the time the law arrives Fido is safely indoors but unfortunately an Officer’s time was taken away from addressing more serious matters. Has anyone asked Compliance Services or Police or the County if this law is needed?

By: Jason Brandt

Jason Brandt — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 00:47:13 +0000

It would be great to have a leash law within the City limits. I recall walking around to help the City pass the Streets and Bridges bond on Madrona when all of a sudden I was charged by a dog who hopped the side fence.

I instinctively jumped away from the sidewalk into the street and could have easily been hit by a car. At the same time, I think its important to have areas within parks where dogs are allowed to roam free. Minto Brown is a great place for dogs as an example.

By: Mrs. Bell

Mrs. Bell — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 18:21:56 +0000

Yes, dogs should be on leash. My child who was 5 at the time was charged by a huge dog. My son is now 13 and is still frightened to death by big dogs. Dogs need to be controlled, you never know when they will something and started darting over towards them. It’s much safer for the public for the animals to be on a leash.