Perhaps there is a legitimate place for pets in the urban/suburban environment. However, there is NOT for the irresponsible pet owner. The messages that individuals and groups have made locally about responsible pet ownership are not getting across.
In the Valley, between Emily Way and the cemetery, there is a green belt (CBJ drainage right-of-way) that provides a good off-pavement walking path. It is used daily by a number of dog owners from Killewich Ave. and other nearby areas. Walking the dog might be more accurately translated as “letting the dog do its duty,” and of the dozens of dogs being “walked” along this stretch, I have observed only one or two owners actually bag the droppings to dispose of properly — I applaud those walkers! The vast majority think it’s okay for their dogs to step off the trail and do their thing in the trees, trail-side grasses, or backyards of residences along this path. “Out of sight... “ This eventually adds up to a couple dozen piles or more per day, every day of the year, in a one-block stretch; unacceptable by any neighborhood standard I can think of. Come on, people, take responsibility for your pets! Bag it up, and dispose of it properly yourself.
And as far as the recent explosion of cats in the neighborhood, again I find an appalling lack of responsibility on the part of the owners. What makes you think it’s okay for your cat to use a neighbor’s garden for its litter box, or a bird feeder in my yard to become the cat’s personal feeding station? If you want a pet, fine. Care for it, contain it, respect your neighbors in the process. If you can’t, take it to the shelter where it can be placed for adoption with a person/family who can. That just seems so very basic.
And thank you to all those pet owners who do take responsibility for your pets!
Judy Macnak
Juneau
Comments (4)
Add commentnuisance dogs
Yes it is a real problem, in the neighborhoods and also on many popular hiking trails that are being used by people to "walk" their dogs. The new renters in the house next to us have four (right now five) small dogs, they are incessant barkers and drive us all crazy. I always liked dogs but I am now starting to hate them because of the poop and noise problems.
I'm all for responsible dog
I'm all for responsible dog owners. But since this has been a more vocal issue recently I'll start speaking up about things that Ive just let go. I'm tired of kids running up and down my street all hours of the day and night. They regularly jump into the street be there a car or not. I've had to scare a few kids away from my place since they feel it's ok to hit my mailbox and everyone else's as they go down the street. More then once I've had to actually tell a kid it's not ok to throw rocks at cars as they pass by.
I'm a responsible dog owner. Now it's your turn Juneau. Keep your kids in line or at least know what kind of trouble they're causing when you turn them lose. I trust roaming dogs more then half the kids running around the valley due to lack of supervision.
My point? Dog crap sucks. But the fuss most of you are raising makes me chuckle when I look around at what else is going on in Juneau. Pick a worthy cause to get up in arms about.
@Judy
Interesting that you thought of putting this in the paper-as it's clearly aimed at one specific area- why don't you speak to your neighbors? Start a neighborhood association. Or print this, laminate it and put on wooden dowel signs in the area which has the problem.
Why don't more neighborhoods choose to enact CCR in their neighborhoods? It raises standards, allows folks a more quality living space and also, raises property values when it's time to sell.
kids are better
Kids are bette then dogs coming in my yard pooping so cross and I have babies walking around in my yard keep your dogs in your own dam yard