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Problems with off-leash dogs in the parks?
03/07/2013 8:46 AM by John M
I am once again having a lot trouble in the parks – mostly Chimborazo – with people who let their dogs off leash and then cannot get them back. It’s the same people and dogs every time – all seem to be fairly new to the area, I suspect. For me, it’s an accident waiting to happen. I honestly don’t care if people let their dogs off lead IF they can control them. Anyone else?
TAGGED: pets
Is it upper Chimborazo or lower Chimbo near the dog park and new fruit trees?
I’ll try to save some keyboards by just linking to this discussion with 75 comments from 2010:
http://chpn.net/news/2010/10/26/leash-your-dog_16041/
and this one from 2007 with 95 comments:
http://chpn.net/news/2007/09/08/animal-control-in-chimbo-park_1017/
It’s a hot subject but I don’t think anything has changed. Maybe someone could ‘unleash’ their dogs on the flasher:
http://chpn.net/news/2013/02/05/flasher-at-libby-hill_26206/
That was as funny as this thread is going to get. Ding Ding. CH dog leash cage match I can’t look away.
And if you are aware of anything otehr than dogs frolicing off leash, please share.
I have been in the park for years. ANd know people who have been up here for well over a decade and none of us know of a dog fight or incident worthy of making a deal about.
I’m a regular runner through Chimbo (upper, not the dog park) and encounter irresponsible dog owners frequently. It’s only a matter of time before one of their off-leash pets attacks. This past weekend a mother and her adult daughter were blocking the passageway through the flood wall on the Canal Walk. As I stood patiently waiting for them to move on, their leashed dog lunged at me and the irresponsible owner had the gall to give the dog more line so the poor thing wouldn’t choke while attacking me. People really need to get a grip.
@ #3. I was referring to the human cage match/conflict/verbal sparring that this subject engenders on this site when it’s brought up every couple of years.
So that my comments on this thread aren’t completely useless and perhaps inflamatory, maybe posting large (larger?) signs at the park regarding the leash laws would help to educate those who don’t know better. Also, perhaps a reminder in the newsletter (if that still exisits?) that people are required to leash their dogs would educate newcomers. A bulletin at the dog park might also reenforce what the law requires. However, if you read some of the past comments that I linked to, some people feel it is their right, legally or not, to have their dogs off leash…and therin lies the problem.
I LOVE DOGS and am friendly with them when their owners are ok with it.
BUT, I personally know of 2 people who were severely bitten by dogs off-leash (within the past 2 years in CH). In both cases, the offending owners said they thought their dogs would never attack a person who was innocently going about his/her business.
In both cases, the people who were attacked were walking their own dogs, on-leash. In both cases, medical bills were high–not to mention the emotional trauma of being bitten by someone’s pet in your own neighborhood.
As for me, I’m a regular runner in Chimbo Park, too. A couple years ago, I had to run (faster than I ever thought I could,) screaming for help to avoid a dog that was lunging at me viciously: baring teeth, growling and snapping.
Fortunately, my screams scared the dog, too, just long enough for him to pause and allow his owner to leash him. The dog’s owner (who lived in a house facing the park,) had just let him out to “do his business” in the grass.
Now, I fully believe the dog was just guarding his territory when he went after my calves. But it wasn’t the dog’s fault. It was his stupid-ass owner’s fault for letting him run out the door off lead–something she said she’d done many times before. Fortunately, she has moved.
Bottom line, this is a problem in Chimbo Park and Jefferson Park. Its unsafe for people and dogs. Also, its unfair to the dogs who are on lead to see another dog running around the park off-leash.
My mother lived near Chimbo and was walking her 12 lb dog ON A LEASH and under her control. As she came from 30th onto Broad St there was a woman walking a Great Dane ON A LEASH who could not control the dog and it attacked my mother’s dog. It literally had the dog in its jaws shaking her. The dog required an emergency room visit x2 stitches, a wound drain, antibiotics and daily wound care nearly 10 days. Not only do all dogs need to be on their leashes, but owners need to know how to and have control of their dogs. Don’t be fooled into thinking all is well just because they are leashed, you have to be alert. Generally speaking…….the dog isn’t the one at fault, the person at the end of the leash, or lack of the leash is.
Yes, I’ve been rushed by dogs several times at Chimborazo (upper) lately. I don’t think anybody is judging the dogs or their behavior by wanting the leash rule to be enforced. A big thing to consider is the wellbeing of the dogs. A few months ago I was running along the northern side of Broad when an unleashed dog in Chimborazo Park saw me and bolted into traffic to get to me, with his owner in hot pursuit. Luckily I was able to grab his collar and prevent him from going back into the street, but a leash can prevent this. There are examples of other situations, but you get the picture. Think of the dogs! I don’t think anybody wants to puts their dog in danger, so maybe it’s a good thing that this topic comes up on CHPN every once in a while. But thanks to @spacecat for the links, it’s cool to get some perspective from threads past!
I will never understand why people who live in urban areas get huge dogs. These animals are NOT meant to live in cities. They’re cooped up all day so they go insane when they get out and I’m surprised I haven’t seen more fights in Chimborazo Park than I have. And the inevitable line from the owner after an incident with either another dog or a person? “Oh, he/she’s NEVER done that before!” Sometimes even a leash isn’t enough–I once saw a dog slip its collar to go after another dog. You know what will stop all this? Wait until a CHILD gets attacked. It’s going to happen and the outrage might make this place explode, I’m not kidding.
The off-leash dogs have been a problem for years. On a recent visit, I counted at least a half-dozen dogs roaming free with their owners nowhere to be found…..and don’t even get me started on the as*hole with the Rottweiler who attempted to kick my dog…..What a mess that place has become….and to think those people have the audacity to criticize Barker Field?
Frequent and repeated calls by affected citizens to animal control might get them to start issuing tickets to those with off leash dogs. Honestly, without some kind of strategy, this discussion is just a means to vent. What happens in other parks? Is this an issue in Forest Hill? How do other communities deal with it effectively? I see it as a public education problem. I thought the dog park was created to alleviate some of these issues, but it seems many people don’t use the dog park. I came across this post recently, which describes one persons opinion of the park: http://richmond.craigslist.org/rnr/3658011894.html Would more organized care of the dog park pens result in more people using them, rather than letting the dogs run free outside of the pens?
“At least a half-dozen dogs roaming free…….”?
Are you sure you were at Chimbo, RVADrew? I go there every day and I’ve rarely seen any loose dogs without the owner nearby.
A few things…
– I’m sorry to all the runners who have to deal with people who get dogs and don’t realize that they also need to commit to having them trained. The number of people that can’t walk their dogs ON a leash is ridiculous.
– There really have been huge numbers of people choosing to walk/let their dogs play outside the fence at the dog park rather than inside lately. Like the Craigslist post above said, the area inside the fence is rocky,dusty/muddy and not well maintained at all. I don’t know what needs to be done, but there’s no reason why it should look the way it does. If grass won’t grow there, it needs to be woodchipped like Barker Field.
Seeing 6 or more dogs off lead in Chimborazo or Libby hill is not at all unusual. Usually when I see that many, there is a group of people with them and they do not bother anyone. I don’t care whether or not your dog is on lead as long as you can control said dog. I usually walk in Chimbo and I’ve had repeated encounters in the last few weeks with a tripod Shepard mix. He’s off lead, several times no owner in sight although I can hear the owner calling for him from across the park. I’m sure he is a lovely dog but he’s passive/aggressive off lead and I’m walking a big dog. When the owner finally shows up, he can’t catch his dog. The accident that’s waiting to happen is me falling while trying to control my own dog and someone else’s loose dog and, if that happens, it’s really going to piss me off.
I frequently run around Chimbo and Libby Hill as well and I have to agree with many of the posters on this thread. There are a lot of dogs off leash lately. however, I do have a problem with ALL dogs off leash ( except in the dog park). I have seen several instances where dogs off leash have gone to the bathroom without their owner knowing and therefore not picking it up. If a dog is attached to the owner via leash, then the owner will know when it happens. Also, I don’t care if your dog is “friendly” he/ she has no right to invade my personal space, especially when I’m trying to run. Of course, this also becomes an issue with irresponsible owners who use ridiculously long leashes for you to trip over. Sigh.
Such a bummer. The whole bottom of Chimborazo should be pet friendly. we should make a dog run at 23rd and grace. And also the bottom half of Jefferson .more glass than grass is what I wish we were talking Bout
have been terrorized while running several times. there seems to be only one course of action left. call the richmond police (804)646-5100
Yes, RAY, at LEAST a half dozen….and owners NEARBY? That’s not acceptible. “Nearby” isn’t under control and it won’t prevent my dog, who is restrained, from going nuts when another free roaming animal approaches her.
If you want to make that whole area off leash, then fine. I’m completely okay with that, but it’s got to be one or the other. All I’m trying to do is follow the rules and *I* get looked at like I’M the bad guy when my otherwise docile and friendly girl growls defends herself against what she perceives is a threat.
I agree, I’m having the same problem. I actually have to avoid areas when walking with my pup in the mornings because the same group of people are letting their dogs roam free without a watchful eye. Every morning I wonder to myself why the dogs are roaming NEXT to the empty dog park.
This is a simple fix. Mace the hell out the dog when it comes near you and then call the police. If it happens half a dozen times the word will get out that the law should be followed.
@Tools in the box. Using that kind of logic, every time I see a jaywalker, I should beat it with a bat and every time I see an illegally parked car I should shoot out its tires. I think these folks would get the message and it would deter jaywalking and parking incorrectly, don’t you?
I have to agree with RVADrew. My dogs are leashed and well behaved. But – when another dog (off leash) approaches my dogs, my dogs will growl and then I am looked at like I am the one with unruly dogs. Please leash your dogs. They might be docile, but other leashed dogs may bite or fight that dog if their space is invaded by another unleashed dog. Its a shame that I cannot walk my dogs in that area.
I am not advocating any crime like assualt on a jay walker or destruction of property by shooting the tires of a car. I am advocating justified self defense and not running down the street screeming because a dog is chassing you.
I will try and break a dogs ribs, bask its head in with a rock, and anything else I feel I need to do. Then when the owner is angry because the dog is dead I will make sure I sue for damages.
Damn Tools, I was with you with the mace and the cops, but most of these situations with the unleashed dogs don’t require dog murders. Naturally if one is being actively attacked one must defend oneself, but most of these dogs aren’t maulers or killers. In fact it’s really the owners of the unleashed dogs who need to be educated…with information and possibly fines…I mean, I guess if someone bludgeoned a dog to death it might send a ‘strong’ message, but it’s a little heavy handed. You have some good insights in some of your other comments in various threads. Any practical, realistic, civilized solutions?
How about this folks. Everyone who’ commented or read this thread an are in agreement that the off leash dogs need to be reigned in, send a message to animal control at this address: http://eservices.ci.richmond.va.us/applications/RichmondGovContactUs/ContactUs.aspx?ID=205
There are at least 12 different commenters here, and many other people who have issues with off leash dogs. Flood Animal Control with demands that something must be done.
Include the address to this thread in your email to them.
This the phone number to Animal Control from the Richmondgov.com site
Phone: (804)646-5573
Weekends or for after-hour emergencies: (804)646-5123
Here’s a See Click Fix that might push things along. Don’t know if See Click Fix is really for dealing with these types of issues, but thought I’d give it a try:
http://www.seeclickfix.com/issues/439404-dogs-roaming-free-in-chimborazo
Vote for it. Anybody called our council person on this problem? Here: http://cynthianewbille.com/
Tools wrote: “I will try and break a dogs ribs, bask its head in with a rock, and anything else I feel I need to do. Then when the owner is angry because the dog is dead I will make sure I sue for damages.”
What a freak. And only one person called Tools on this crap. Speaks volumes of this entire thread. Haters gonna hate.
Not one hour has passed before “A Park Neighbor” attempted to close the See Click Fix report. I reopened it.
Here’s the comment they left on the report:
a poster on the CHPN wrote of this issue: “I will try and break a dogs ribs, bask its head in with a rock, and anything else I feel I need to do. Then when the owner is angry because the dog is dead I will make sure I sue for damages.” Let’s not dignify a suit-happy uptight jerk by dignifying this issue.
and from ‘A Park Neighbor’ again, after trying to close the report again, 7 minutes later:
“Dozens of comments from a small number of posters….only one of who said a word to the violence promoting whack job. A whining minority of park users.”
I guess stories like getting bitten by a dog as described in post #6 makes a person a ‘Whiner’.
What’s the problem with just keeping your dog on leash when in public? Most people have back yards in CH, and there IS a dog park if they want their dog to run around freely. It’s the same rationale for laws regarding public nudity, smoking in restaurants, intoxication in public–a shared public space is for ALL users, not just the ones who control a space via their bullying of other people. Common courtesy to your fellow citizen is the crux of this entire discussion.
WOw SPACECAT…you really seem worked up.
If a dog bites you inthe park, call the police immediately. But they way this thread has played out makes me wonder if a bite really happened.
I like how the posts started with someone complaining about an incident involving a leashed dog in a location miles from church hill.
I wish people would stop urinating in the alley near my house. I wish people wouldn’t jaywalk. I wish everybody would use their signal when the intend to make a turn. I wish GRTC buses would indicate that they’re stopping and signal when pulling out from a stop. I wish people would “yield” at the round-abouts rather than “stop”. I wish people would apply the traffic laws/rules to all those intersections on Jefferson that nobody seems to know how to manage. And I wish noise ordinances were strictly enforced.
Yes, I get it, dogs technically should be on leashes. And if it were a perfect world, there wouldn’t be minor inconveniences in life. But let’s have some perspective and get past sniping about the minor things that annoy us and try to be content with what’s good. Can anybody really not enjoy being out in the park on a sunny day because of dogs? Come on.
Actually, instead of complaining about the dog owners in LOWER Chimbo, you should be thanking them. Since 2008 we’ve chased away the drug users, the tent sleepers, the people breaking bottles, shooting up, sleeping in their cars, dumping illegally, taking target practice in the woods, and having sex. We’ve found countless lost and stray dogs and returned them to owners, adopted them ourselves or taken them to Animal Control. We’ve been threatened with guns and words each time we pushed the criminals out.
On Monday we rescued a lost pit bull with a chain and padlock wrapped around its neck that you would not have wanted to have come across. It took hours but we were able to befriend him, make him safe and stay with him until Animal Control could get there. We’ve taken an un-used, crime ridden, condom and broken bottle littered area and made it safe and we continue to do so. If it weren’t for us, none of you would feel safe down there.
I am one of the ones who lets my dog off leash to run and romp with her friends most afternoons after 5.
I have total control of her and if an incident occurs, I immediately leash her up and we leave the park.
Good friends, happy dogs, a sunny day, a beautiful park and a glass or 2 of wine.
Sweet!!!
I’ll clarify some things from my perspective.
First, my immediate family has always had dogs, since before I was born, over 40 years ago. I love dogs. I’m not anti-dog. I personally do not own one at the moment because I don’t feel I have the time to care for one appropriately due to work schedules, etc.
My family has always viewed the ownership of a dog as a responsibility both to the dog and to anyone the dog might sniff, bite or bother. Thus we’ve always kept them on a leash when we take them in public places. That way there is less chance of an incident with other dogs, cars or people.
This thread and the others I linked to in post #2 have resulted mostly in complaining and arguing. I’m trying to take concrete steps to address the concerns of people, including myself, who don’t want unsolicited attention from a dog. In Richmond and in other cities I’ve lived, I’ve been run at, jumped on, crotch sniffed and bitten by dogs whose owners felt they were within their right to allow that behavior. My family’s dogs have also had altercations while on-leash with dogs who were off-leash.
@31. I’m not worked up at all. The heading of this thread and the other two I linked two in post #2 describes many, many people who have had negative, real world incidences with off-leash dogs in Chimborazo.
@32. Your wish list doesn’t involve personal harm to you or yours from somebody’s negligence. A dog bite, or being chased by a dog is more severe than jaywalking. This situation is more akin to playing with fireworks or target practice in the woods next to a crowd of people. Fun until it goes wrong.
@33. Again, I’m not at issue with dog owners in general. The dog park has indeed improved the safety and approachability of Chimborazo, upper and lower. A sincere thank you to everyone that made and continue to make that happen. In fact, most of the people posting on this thread are fairly responsible with their dogs, judging by their genuine concern for the dogs and their desire for their dogs to play freely. There is, however, a history in the park of some peoples’ unleashed dogs harassing and endangering other people.
@34 If all dog owners had total recall of their dogs, as you do, this thread wouldn’t exist. I wish all dogs could run and frolic freely, but the fact is that some of the dogs harass people and their owners can’t control them properly. That’s why the dog park exists, to allow dogs to run in a contained and controlled environment. That is also why leashes exist, to control a dog if it tries to play, run or fight somewhere where it’s not supposed to.
Folks, this issue is not a new one or one isolated to Chimborazo. This same discussion is happening across the country with almost identical arguments and stories. Google this issue and you’ll find many urban areas dealing with. Various jurisdictions deal with it differently. The off leash issue is one of the main reasons dedicated dog parks have come into existence. Here are some links (several written by dog owners) if you really want to read about it.
Denver: http://animalbehaviorassociates.com/blog/put-stop-offleash-dogs-onleash-areas/
A dog blog with many comments: http://shibashake.com/dog/off-leash-neighborhood-dogs/
Illinois: http://northbrook.patch.com/articles/dog-off-leash-complaints-soar-891dbfb2
Phoenix (I personally do NOT support a ban in any parks):
http://www.azcentral.com/news/articles/2011/02/02/20110202phoenix-park-bans-off-leash-dogs.html
In closing, I want to reiterate that my desire is for peaceful coexistence in regard to dogs and park users. A person should have a reasonable expectation of being safe in the park whether they have dogs or not. And people without dogs shouldn’t have to avoid the park just because a few unruly dogs and their owners don’t feel a responsibility to the rest of us.
Thank you for your thoughts and for reading.
I used to walk my geese. Never before 9:00 or after 3:00 in order to avoid those people who walked their dogs. After three attacks from dogs a half block away with the owner screaming at the dogs to stop, come here, no—- I stopped .!. The last incident was a large German Shepard that I grabbed in a full run and threw across the street. This was the second time this dog attacked! When the owner started screaming at me for throwing his dog, I very calmly told him that if it happened again, I would kill it . This man called the police and told them that I had threatened to kill his dog for no reason. About an hour later the police came knocking on my door and asked me why I was making threats. I told the police that I had not threatened anyone, but I simply told this man what I was going to do should his dogs (he had three) attack my pets again. My neighbors saw the attack and backed me up. The police went back to this man and told him that he had to keep his dogs on a leash and if they attacked my geese again I had every right to do whatever it would take to defend them. The man was furious that I had not been arrested! There is a leash law for a reason! Just because people do not understand the ingrained behavior of their dog it does not give them the right to endanger others! When a dog licks your face it has nothing to do with affection; It wants you to regurgitate food so it can eat. Dogs are pack animals and even the “sweetest” dog can go wolf, and will in the right circumstances. It is only a matter of time before a child is mauled. These posted warnings may be used in court to show a “reckless disregard for the safety of others”. Those of you who insist that you “have total control and if an incident occurs you put the leash on” clearly DO NOT HAVE TOTAL CONTROL.
spacecat #30. you make such a reasonable, mature comment and you pointed out the real issue of being a bully to the neighborhood. There is a leash law for a reason!
Has this site been up just for people to complain? I’ve noticed that’s all the comment section is used for lately. Instead of complaining on a website, why do you get out and do something about the problems you see? Contact Animal Control or even the Police if you feel in danger.
Also, to those who are advocating harming animals by macing them (I’m talking to you Tools in a Box) that is ridiculous. Let’s put it this way, I was walking on Grace the other day and a lady had her geese out on the street. As pets, I did not think they should be off the person’s property without a leash. Did she has “complete control” over her animals? No. Double standard? Probably. Did it harm anyone? No. Did I “try and break a goose’s ribs, bask its head in with a rock, and anything else I feel I need to do. Then when the owner is angry because the goose is dead I will make sure I sue for damages.” No. I don’t agree with dogs being off leash in the park, but I’m sure there a plenty of problems the City of Richmond needs to deal with other than your petty concerns about dogs. However, its your right to let the city know your concerns. But let the actual city know your concerns. You are not helping your situation by sitting idly by at your computer threatening people and their pets.
One last thing to #36, dogs don’t lick faces to get you to regurgitate food for them. Puppies do that. If a dog licks your face, its usually a sign of welcoming or submission. So yes, do be terrified as a dog submits to you.
oh no. please don’t bring up the geese.
Personally, I am totally fine with off lead dogs in lower Chimbo. It’s safer – much further from the well traveled roads – and not many runners or bikers. People can drive down there and there are plenty of open spaces to enjoy time with your neighbors and a glass of whatever. There is also very good lighting down there. I agree that the more people in lower Chimbo, the better for that area of the park. I wish we could work this out as a community without calling in AC or the police. If this could be a community agreement, we could resolve this issue right now and people who really want/need to avoid off lead dogs could stick to upper Chimbo.
I’m not touching the subject of the geese.
I am from Georgia and this is a big problem here too. We have a leash law that covers the entire county, except on your personal property and off leash dog parks. I am trying to engage the police, parks, citizens to address the problem of non enforcement and the problems it entails. My dog and I have been attacked several times by off leash dogs. My walking stick has been stolen, sunglasses broken, my dog bitten, I have been assaulted twice when asking folks to leash their dogs and worst of all my son was bitten. I don’t need to go into all the details of the incidents or all the effects this repeated trauma has caused me and my family and my dog, this is just to let you know I have direct knowledge of the problems that occur when dogs are illegally off leash.
There are some who refuse to acknowledge there is a problem and attempt to minimize and dismiss the issues. I see that on this site as well as in my community. They are doing themselves a disservice, burying their heads in the sand, digging their heels in on being able to do what they want and ignore the laws, or attempting to out shout/out insult people with different values, experiences or concerns.The rational adults who know there is a problem will only ultimately leave them out of the process of addressing the issues. Their legitimate concerns and potentially valuable input will be missing or ignored.
It is going on all over the country. I would like to get in touch with the reasonable folks on this site to see if we can brainstorm some ideas to get attention, education and enforcement addressed in our communities.
I’m not interested in debating whether or not there is an issue and I will not engage with aggressive folks who propose violence as a solution. Most of us will do whatever is in our power to protect ourselves and our loved ones. I want to pursue solutions that will minimize the need to ever do that.
If anyone is interested post it here and I will set up an email account for all of us, or if there is a better way to communicate initially let me know how you would prefer to do it.
the sheer ignorance in some of this comments is astounding. Lets just say that if you mace, harm , threaten or anything of the like to anothers pet you are in full line for the same happening to you.
From the Code of the City of Richmond:
Sec. 10-175. – Restraint of dogs in parks.
It shall be unlawful for the owner or any person in charge of any dog, whether licensed or unlicensed, to allow such dog to go unleashed in any city park into which it is not unlawful for such dog to enter or be taken.
(Code 1993, § 4-65; Ord. No. 2005-129-80, § 1, 5-23-2005)
http://library.municode.com/HTML/16118/level4/PTIICICO_CH10AN_ARTIIIDOCA_DIV3CORE.html#PTIICICO_CH10AN_ARTIIIDOCA_DIV3CORE_S10-175REDOPA
Dear Anonymous,
There are some folks who posted here that are not “just” complaining. They have gone through the proper channels, made the reports, called Animal Control, the police, and so forth. We are the ones with our pets on leashes, who have control of said pet, who scoop their poop, who in essence are responsible. I reiterate, for the sake of safety, for pets and humans alike, that just because a dog (or goose or cat or….) is on a leash you still have to be aware. It makes it very difficult to take a walk, run, walk your pet if you are having to avoid unleashed, unpredictable dogs. I am sure those folks bitten, as well as my mother’s dog, did not find the incident “petty.” It cost her hundreds of dollars, missed time from work to give medications and do dressing changes and so on. “petty”?????? concerns. I don’t think so.
Glad to read that there are at least a couple people that agree with me. When a dog is off its leash and they are being attacked they are going to defend themselves. Thanks Jean Mcdaniel for adding the personal expereince to the issue.
Throwing the dog is a pretty calm response considering it was a second attack. The owner may have been angry that you threatened to kill his dog but should be happy that you did not kill him the second time he attacked.
I see this story as a good example of the problem. The dog owner is a repeat offender and still is indignant as to the fact that he has done anything wrong even after the police tell him so.
To think that people on this board expect someone to run down the street screaming, wait in fear for the owner to restrain their dog, or just get bit or have their own dog attacked is absurd.
It is the same mentality I guess for those people that have rude/unruly children; isn’t he so cute. No he is not, and he just jumped on me and stained my pants with his muddy paws.
@44- so are you saying you’d mace someone’s unruly child too? Given your earlier threats against dogs, I hope you see some difference between wild children and wild dogs…
Tools
The story is even better. This man was a block away when he saw me and two of my geese in front of my house and removed the leash from the German Shepard knowing what it would do!! His other two dogs were not on a leash, and of course came flying right behind the German Shepard. So this was very deliberate.
I am amazed at the arrogance and imperiousness of some of these postings.
I think as a community we should whine, complain , go Whaa and be VERY vocal to animal control and the City every time we see dogs running loose, off leash etc. I have been doing so since this discussion started and will continue to do so. I also think anyone who has been bitten, chased, attacked or had their pet attacked has every right to be compensated for monetary and emotional damages. Better pay up your homeowners / renters insurance. If you don’t have insurance, better be prepared to loose your car, any valuable electronics, jewelry etc. Perhaps such actions will get through some of the contemptuous distain and supercilious thought processes of those who think they have the right to bully the whole neighborhood.
Oh, the man with the three dogs no longer lives up here or can rent an apartment and no longer owns his 1990 Ford F150!!!!!!!!!! Whaa
@46…slowly but surely, you’re losing touch with reality and getting very bitter….Is it that bad? Do you need someone to talk to? How can we help.
@46 Your geese always snap at me when I am walking on the sidewalk. They are aggressive and “unruly”. I don’t know how your neighbors can even stand the sight of your birds or your poorly kept yard. Shame, I hear geese can live 20+ years, so those suckers will be around for a long time.
Let’s hope that in such an extensive period, you can actually train your geese to behave. Maybe PetSmart offers some training courses you could attend. If not, I think you could pick up a training book at a local bookstore.
I often see children playing in the park nearby, and it would be a shame if your untamed animals attacked someone. I guess you could eliminate everyones concern by following your own words and leashing your wild beasts.
It will be a sad day when they do actually attack someone or something. Let’s hope it is around Christmas or Thanksgiving. Maybe the victim will at least have the satisfaction of not having to go through all the trouble of finding a turkey, if they are practicing the actions you and “Tools in the box” promoted.
In all honesty though, leashing your dogs is crucial when living in a densely populated area. Since moving here roughly one year ago, I have noticed that there are a few violators of this law, and they are generally concentrated near Chimbo, Libby Hill, and Patrick Henry.
Being bitten, traumatized, or even frightened by an off-leash dog is not okay. A proper owner would have the common sense to notice when a situation has turned for the worse and understand that they are in the wrong. In addition, a proper owner would understand that they are located in a city, and that for the safety and well-being of a dog, they should be leashed and managed at all times.
Dogs are obedient animals that follow the teachings of their owner. They are not at fault, but it is rather the owner who has taken an irresponsible effort to unleash them, or skip necessary training during the development of the animal.
I hope that with my previous comments I emphasized how ridiculous you sounded. You can yell at the dog all you want, but they wont understand your empty threats. And clearly, if a person has their dog off leash near a pack of supposedly-tamed geese, a park of children, and a steady flow of traffic, they are awful dog-owners. You will not reason with these people by threatening and yelling at them. Rather try educating them on the responsibility of dog ownership. Maybe you should be neighborly, like so many of the other wonderful people in Church Hill. If that does not work, use the necessary steps in solving the confrontation, which do not include: macing, maiming, murdering, etc. In fact, it is as simple as picking up your phone and calling the law enforcement. Now you say you have done this, but from your behavior and personality on this website, I highly doubt everything you say. In fact, I put more stock in what your wild geese would say, who in fact are still living and if a German Shepherd was actually going to attack them they probably wouldn’t be.
Yesterday I took my dog on a long walk around most of Church Hill. We enjoyed the first day of Spring, and I am so glad to live in a neighborhood with so much greenery. We passed countless numbers of dogs, and yes, a few were in fact off-leash. Those dogs, however, were incredibly well behaved and did not react to pedestrians, cars, or even the small songbirds. I saw nothing wrong with the situation of Church Hill yesterday, or any other day in the year that I have been here.
Although leashing your dogs is truly necessary, it seems that this issue is more sporadic and occasional than people have led the readers of CHPN to believe. I mean if a sidewalk gets a news story after just one day, I would imagine this would have become a national news story by now, seeing how Church Hill has our own vigilante off-leash dog slayers running around.
@48 – what’s good for the dog is good for the goose right?
While exercising my dog this morning a kind, anonymous woman came running towards us. She must have been a member of the underground group LUGAL (Light Up Get A Life). She warned us of a Dog Catcher lurking below. My dog & I camouflaged ourselves and peeked over the hill. Sure enough, a trap was set. We were forced to circle above. I later learned that the Trap may have been initiated by complaints eminating from this site. You know who you are. To paraphrase James Cagney……. You dirty rats. You dirty rats.
You’ll never take us alive copper!!
BWAAAAAAAAAAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAA “I used to walk my geese.” OMG Church Hill, you’re the new Portlandia.
Y’all are so ridiculous….Get a life and leave the dogs alone.
WHAT?? No self entitled, snarky comments about the woman and her dog that was attacked yesterday by off leash dogs?
I’m glad that unleashed dogs at a park are such a big issue. I get approached by beggers all the time and there are people that are obviously doing things that they shouldn’t be hanging out at the park all day. There is a poorly maintained dog park where the dogs are allowed to play in which dogs escape from all the time. I’ve lived next to an abandoned home the ENTIRE time I’ve lived here and sometimes hear gunshots at night. But thank goodness for vigilence against real issues like this.
I also appreciate that while I was walking my dog (on a leash) this morning, I was followed the entire time by Animal Control. It was really enjoyable to have him stop and peer at me through his windows, drive away, only to return again and again and again.
Great job guys, really.
and now for a little Londonian leashless levity…:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3GRSbr0EYYU&sns=em
I too tend to think most people in this thread are overreacting. However, I was recently made aware of a neighbor who brings 3 large, unneutered dogs to the park and lets them run and knock people down and play aggressively with other dogs.
While almost all off leash dog owners I know have control over their dogs, this guy has none. And he is so socially maladept that he blames others for the issues his dogs cause.
As a result of his actions, the parks dept, police, and animal control are all becoming involved. This means there will be greater enforcement of the leash laws in Chimborazo Park for some time.
Ashley – I totally understand what you are saying. I feel the same way when I hear people complain about speeders when there’s a guy that’s been openly dealing drugs across the street from my house for years. It’s frustrating. However, I also have had a lot of problems and close calls with off lead dogs while walking my own dogs in upper Chimbo at night. I haven’t had any at all problems in almost 2 weeks so I suspect the conversations in this thread have helped. I wish we could get rid of my drug dealer and your gunshots that easily. 🙁
Funny- these posts turned from dog on leashes to reports of gunshots, drugs, etc. Just curious, How many posts above are of people complaining about all of this nonsense. Do you really like living in a place where people complain about issues all the time. Why can’t I go to this site and find posts about people working and living together in harmony? So sad!
Steven, that’s exactly what I’m saying. There has got to be a solution to this that doesn’t involve using mace on animals or Animal Control that follows people that aren’t doing anything wrong. This thread got really disturbing on an issue that doesn’t match the severity of some of the responses.
KS #48
1 My geese are already over 20 yrs. old.
2 My front garden does look bad. That’s what a year of construction does!
3 My geese have been scolded 5 times for “snapping at you” when you walk by. Once for snapping and 4 times for missing!
4 The geese would be way too tough to eat.
5 Tools and I are not advocating unprovoked violence toward any one or any thing. It is called self defense
Please READ what you are attempting to respond to before responding! I am sure you didn’t want to sound as stupid as you did.
Laura #47 Yes you can help! Leash your dog!!
There were two attacks by unleashed dogs this past weekend. Just because someone decides not to believe what has been said, does not make it untrue.
Ashley #59,
There is a simple solution to this. It involves common courtesy, and it only exists in a “perfect world”:
– In a public park setting (not referring to the dog park): dogs on leash; owners with poop bags in hand. That’s it…what is so hard about that.
Obviously, we do not live in a “perfect world”…especially, when common courtesy has become “extraordinary”. Sad to say it…
This habit of people letting their dogs off their leashes seems to be a universal problem. I live in South Africa and am always a bit nervous when taking my dogs to the park. Knowing that they are not properly trained (we are still trying to get them trained on the leash) I would never let my dogs roam free, and yet it is a common occurrence. The other day I went to the park with my dogs (cross chow chow and border collie and cross lab and border collie) and this tiny little thing ran up to my dogs who both instantly went still and into fight mode, luckily the I turned the one I had 360 degrees and started walking the other way, thank goodness both dogs then lost interest. I screamed back at the owner ‘Put your dog on a leash!’ and she just shrugged and carried on walking. I shudder to think what would have happened if my dog had gotten a hold of hers, that dog was tiny! It’s irresponsible! Also, I have a friend who lives across the road from a park and every time I go there on the weekend I hear (the sound carries very well) several dog fights. Aggressive barking and growling, then high-pitched screams from the dogs, mixed with people screaming frantically and crying. It’s very disturbing and I don’t know why no one has learnt their lesson
what’s with the weirdo in the van who goes to the dog park with his three enormous rottweilers? he doesn’t actually go into the dog park–instead, he walks each dog one by one around the fenced dog area. he obviously knows that his dogs aren’t friendly toward other animals and he knows that he shouldn’t mix in them socially.
He literally can’t control his dogs–they are huge–maybe 100 pounds each? one of his dogs almost attacked one of my dogs as we went to the dog park today. the dog put his jaws around my dog’s body. the owner didn’t try to pull his dog away/didn’t want to pull his dog away, just said (as I was screaming) that his dog “wanted to say hello”–not cool!
I know this is an old thread, but I just received a ticket this week in the lower park area and was wondering if anyone knew what the fine would be (I wasn’t able to call because it was after hours).
While I know the leash laws and understand that I have to take responsibility for breaking them, I’m pretty frustrated by the way the situation is being handled. I only ever have my dog off-leash from the time I park my car to the time I take her in the fenced in area, she’s never wandering around. Yet, for the two years I’ve been going to the park (and this weekend…when no one from Animal Control was there to patrol), there have been upwards of 10 dogs and their owners at various ends of the lower area off-leash who haven’t been ticketed.
Who ticketed you? Animal control? Was it just for off lead? If so, I think the fine is $200.
I was told by animalcontrol that it can be anywhere from $50 to$250
Yes, it was Animal Control and just for off lead. $200 seems like a pretty big fine for something that’s been unenforced for so long, especially if they’re still going to pick and choose when to ticket.
@Ruby….how can others be ticketed if animal control isn’t there?? many people have been given tickets as of late, you are not the only one. Animal Control will ticket any dog off leash in the area…the dog must leave the vehicle on a leash, attached to the human to not risk a ticket.
This really doesnt make sense. If dogs will be OFF LEASH in the dog park, what is the big deal with them being off leash in the parking lot? Will the dogs be violent in the parking lot and tame in the fenced in park?
The leash law has been sporadically unenforced. In the 7 years that I’ve been here, there have been periods of time that there is laser focus on the Chimbo area and then AC is off to focus in another area. I’ve heard of people in Chmbo getting tickets that amounted to fines of $400-500, so $200 doesn’t surprise me. Regardless of whether or not AC is there to watch, there is a leash law in the city of Richmond and you are always violating the law if your dog is off leash.
Almost everyone of us breaks dozens of laws on a daily basis. The police understand commonsense enfocement. They dont pull us over for going 5 mph over the limit or for crossing the street away from intersections. We just wish the dog catcher would have the same commonsense approach.
There is little difference between interaction next to the dog park and within the dog park. The dog park fence does not have magic powers or anything that makes dogs behave differently in it after all.
An article on off-leash dogs, animal control and a potential dog-friendly section of the river in the James River Park System.
http://www.richmond.com/city-life/why-richmond-why/article_9c503908-c9f6-11e2-a3f7-0019bb30f31a.html
According to Animal Control, Monday night June 3, a man was walking in the alley behind the 2000 block of Princess Anne Ave (across from Jefferson Park.) He was bitten by a small dog (under 30 pounds) which reportedly came from one of the houses on that block. Someone called the dog back into the house after the incident and did not engage the individual who was bit by the dog.
If you have any information on the dog (especially rabies vaccination,) Animal Control could use your help. Please call 646-5100 and ask for Animal Control Officer K.
The dog was described as mostly brown with a black spot(s) on it’s head/upper body. 30 pounds might make it a “medium” sized dog.
Well, it’s not just off leash dogs that’s a problem…
A dog was killed recently in church hill by two dogs that were on leash with known aggression problems. The dogs had attacked other dogs before and the owner knows they are dangerous and now a beloved pet is dead.
Its unacceptable to me how people keep their pets in this neighborhood-the blatant lack of regard for others and safety and public health from the keeping of known dangerous animals to not leashing pets to the lazy attitude about “feral” cats.
It’s disgusting and backwards.
Mark my words, a child mauling isn’t far behind.