[Vision2020] MPD Press Release re: Dogs

[Craine Kit]

Between October 11 and Nov 8, I had EIGHT encounters with at-large  
dogs that could have resulted in blood-spilling injuries to me, my  
dog, or a loose dog which just wanted to "play" with mine. So, I went  
through the Daily Activity Logs MPD posts online. During the period of  
Aug. 16, 2009 (the week before UI classes began) through Nov. 11, 2009  
(ninety days), there were 101 complaints involving dogs at-large.  
That's an average of 1.12 per day. These incidents include:

      -   8 bites (people or other dogs)
      -   2 attacks
      -   2 postal carriers trapped in their vehicles
      -   9 people threatened
      -   4 at-large dogs injured
      -  30 civilians capturing the dog and asking MPD to pick it up.

This seems to be too many complaints for a community the size of  
Moscow. Unfortunately, I suspect the reported incidents are just the  
tip of the iceberg. Many people (including myself) do not report dogs  
at-large unless there is a major problem such as an attack, a bite, or  
a dog hit by a vehicle. Having  101 calls in 90 days shows there are  
far too many dogs running free.

I've spoken to far too many people who don't see anything wrong with  
allowing their unleashed dog to approach mine when it is on a leash.  
After all, their's is friendly and just wants to meet and play. Yet  
those masters don't have a clue how the other, leashed dog will react  
to their's. They also don't consider that the person at the other end  
of the leash is attached to many pounds of low-to-the-ground, four-paw- 
drive muscle. Even "play" can injure the person.

Three cheers to the police for this press release.

Kit Craine





On Nov 24, 2009, at 10:24 AM, Stephanie Kalasz wrote:

>
> MOSCOW POLICE DEPARTMENT
> 118 East 4th Street
> Moscow, Idaho 83843
> Tel: 208-882-COPS    Fax: 208-882-4020
>
>
>
> PRESS RELEASE
>
>
> November 23, 2009
> Dogs make great companions and can bring a lot of happiness to our  
> lives.  However, as dog owners it is important that we make sure  
> that we (and our dogs) follow some basic rules to ensure that we are  
> being good neighbors.
>
> If your dog is off your property you must have your dog on a leash  
> that is not greater than eight (8) feet in length.  If it is not  
> leashed when it is off your property your dog is considered “at  
> large”, which is a violation of City of Moscow ordinance MCC  
> 10-5-5.  This at large ordinance includes the many city parks  
> (except the dog park located on White Avenue), the walking/bicycling  
> paths, and the Farmer’s Market area.  There are many people who are  
> not comfortable around dogs, especially ones they do not know, and  
> do not appreciate being ‘greeted’ by a dog.  Being off-leash can  
> also lead to dangerous situations for your dog and for other  
> people.  Please leash your dog when you take it off your property.
>
> Do not tie your dog in a public place and leave it unattended.   
> Tethering your pet in public is a violation of MCC 10-5-5 and can  
> lead to it being impounded.  Dogs can be nervous and upset when left  
> in a public area.  They may not be as friendly in those situations  
> as they are when you are with them.  This causes a problem for other  
> people who are using the same public areas as you.  It also puts  
> your dog at risk.  Keep everyone safe-keep your dog with you when in  
> public.  Protect your dog by utilizing a leash as well as keeping  
> your dog away from others unless invited.
>
> Being a responsible pet owner also means cleaning up after your dog  
> in a public place.  This is not only required by MCC 10-5-12, it is  
> also part of being a good neighbor.
>
> If you haven’t done so already, please remember to license your  
> dogs.  A lifetime license currently costs $22.50 for a spayed/ 
> neutered dog, and $32.50 for an unaltered dog.  Dog licenses can be  
> purchased at either the Humane Society of the Palouse or at the  
> Moscow Police Department.
>
> DANIEL L.  
> WEAVER 
>                                                                         Prepared 
>  by:
>             Chief of  
> Police 
>                                                                           A 
> .C. David Duke
> Following these rules will not only help keep you, your dog, and  
> others safe, but will also help your dog be a welcome member of our  
> community!
>
>
>
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