Letters to the Editor - leash signs enforcment - We need leash signs and enforcment on parkway

  What’s with all the unleashed dogs on our parkway? Everyday encounters with owners trailing behind free romping dogs are common. There are leash laws to help make the parkway safe for all to enjoy.

    Recently while walking my own dog, a large, unleashed dog brought me down to the ground and left his marks on me — Animal Control had to be called. By the owners account, this family pet had behaved unpredictably in accosting me. As a result though, the owners were obligated to pay a $200 fee to register their pet as a “dangerous dog”—a permanent record with the city.

    In attempts to clarify the leash laws and enforcement policy, I have made multiple calls to 311, the Minneapolis Park Police and Animal Control, only to receive conflicting responses on existing procedures. The bottom line is that any city officer can issue a citation for a loose or unleashed dog. A dog that gets  loose is an accident. A dog that is allowed loose is an unnecessary hazard.

    We are so fortunate to have our beautiful parkway to share with others and their activities. As pet owners, we need to realize and accept that our dogs are our responsibility, and it is our obligation to leash them and make the parkway safe for everyone. Besides, it is the law! And please remember to scoop!

Victory