Juneau residents are very fortunate to have well over 150 miles of varied, scenic, and enjoyable hiking trails easily accessible from the road system. We also have some outstanding recreation sites that include day use facilities, campgrounds, and parks. The majority of these trails and recreation sites, and the wild lands they adjoin, are managed by the U.S. Forest Service, the state of Alaska, or the City and Borough of Juneau.
As trail, facility, and wildlife managers, we are the interface with the public, and, as such, we routinely field complaints regarding inappropriate dog behavior. It has been troubling that with increasing frequency we witness and receive reports of people being bitten, jumped upon, barked and snarled at, or in other ways threatened on our trails or at our recreation sites resulting in a ruined outing. Pet hair, saliva, and muddy paw prints have all been unwanted gifts to people’s clothing. Based on the volume of public complaint, this is an all too common occurrence on our trail systems and at our recreation sites.
Juneau law states that as a pet owner your animal must be on a leash unless it is under competent voice control. All federal, state, and city public trails and facilities within Juneau’s city limits are subject to this ordinance. If you have had to apologize for your dog’s behavior off leash while recreating on public land, you likely have violated this law.
Juneau’s animal control officers very professionally respond to complaints, however, it is a rare case where these brief and unpleasant encounters with dogs results in a citation. Usually the victim is not able to get the name or vehicle license plate of the violator in order to file a complaint. The result is the ordinance is not enforced in most cases.
Responsible dog owners have reported to us they have the same complaints about violators. They realize their efforts to train and/or restrain their animals are overshadowed by the actions of those who do not responsibly control their pets, and that this may lead to a loss of privileges for every pet owner.
The Alaska Department of Fish & Game receives many reports of wildlife disturbance and harassment occurring on our public lands as a result of dogs running off leash. Disturbances range from flushing birds and attacking porcupines to killing large mammals such as deer. Alaska wildlife regulations make it illegal to allow your dog to harass wildlife.
The issue of domestic animal waste is also considerable. Mutt Mitts or other bags are found at many trailheads throughout the borough, yet there is not a single trail or recreation site in Juneau free of domestic animal waste.
If these situations do not improve we will have to consider management changes to protect the public and wildlife. Management options may include requiring dogs be on leash at all times, or some dog-free recreation sites and trails may need to be designated.
So, as we enter into our summer season please remember:
• Dogs always need to be under competent voice control, or they must be restrained.
• Pick up after your dog.
• Report violations to the proper authority.
• Be considerate of others.
Everyone deserves to have an enjoyable and safe outdoor experience while recreating on public lands. With a little forethought and effort we can achieve that goal.
• Grossman is recreation program manager for the U.S. Forest Service’s Juneau Ranger District. Murphy is chief ranger for the Southeast area of Alaska State Parks. Schaaf is superintendent of Parks and Recreation for the City and Borough of Juneau. Scott is an area biologist for the Alaska Department of Fish & Game.
Comments (37)
Add commentWell written
I especially liked this clear example: "If you have had to apologize for your dog’s behavior off leash while recreating on public land, you likely have violated this law."
I appreciate that no leashes are needed for dogs who are trained.
I hope bad dog owners read this warning and heed so they don't ruin it for the rest of us.
Thank you for this. It is
Thank you for this. It is very frustrating to try and follow the rules and others flat out ignore the rules. If we are not responsible pet owners they will regulate it to the point of it not worth having a dog in town. And please, if you are going to the trouble of bagging the poo, throw it away or don't bag it.
I agree with fireguy
If you're not going to dispose of it, don't bag it.
@middleoftheroad
Just to make a point to some who might misread your comment: "bad dog owners" does not mean owners of bad dogs. These dogs aren't bad, they're just untrained. It's the owners who don't train or leash their dogs who are the bad ones.
defense of life and property
Do the state's laws regarding defense of life and property (commonly applied to bears) apply to dogs??
If I am placed in fear by a dog that might bite my face, then does the law protect me when I defend myself, sometimes using lethal means?
g
grrrrrrrr,woof woof, grrrrrr
paris
the answers simple, pet the dog pepper spray the owner
contradiction
I once called animal control and complained of an idiot walking two pit bulls near the Alaska Museum and they were unleashed and one rushed me.
Animal control said the dogs were outside of the mandatory leash zone. I asked where that zone was and he pretty much said, '...around the cruise ships area.'
This surprised me. The museum is right downtown in a heavy tourist area.
And if he is correct, then this totally contradicts the third paragraph above, implying that all of CBJ is subject to leash laws.
So, which is it?
What it means Jo
you are not among the select group the leash law really protects. Income producers, and relentless whiners
Bad Dog Owners
Thank you, wfisher,
I hope no one thought I meant "bad dogs" but instead realized I was referring to "bad owners" who, unfortunately, are out there.
Not just dogs
that need to be cleaned up after. There are plenty of earthtone stained tissues on the trails these days too. I don't recall so many complaints, or tissues, until many of the trails became flip-flop friendly. Is there a connection...you decide.
A slight departure...
I know this is a bit off topic "but," I live on Northland Street out in the valley. There seems to be someone letting their dog out at night so as to allow it to use everyone elses yard (mine included) to pile their waist on.
The owner undoubtedly knows this is happening because they are not finding any dog crap in their yard, do they think the dog is trekking off into the woods a half a mile away to do its business? I do not own a dog (allergies), and do not appreciate who ever this is.
Turning their dog out & placing the responsibility to their animal upon me is negligent, rude at best. I am a nice enough guy, I don't dislike dogs but I am about to restrain the dog and call the pound if this continues. I have caught it a few times, it really loves to find new friends but I don't know where it goes after that (hard to punish him). Why am I the poor slob having to go out and take responsibility for this persons lack of proper care?
I'm sure I am not the only one in Juneau who has neighbors like this, ...but it does surprise me considering my neighborhood and the nice folks who live around me.
Apology is not necessarily a bad sign
I apologize to people if my dogs don't mind their trail manners as they've been taught by me. This doesn't mean my dogs violated any laws. In fact, I often get a "it's ok" reply after I apologize.
It just means my dogs failed my individual standards. Those could simply be not leaving a slack leash as a ski-masked individual slowly lumbers by or not getting completely off the trail and into the woods to give space to others walking 4 abreast.
Mike
whos wearing the mask?
I suspect that (if there was a masked man) this individual would probably NOT be the one complaining about dogs or their owners. The people who are trying to communicate their frustration seem to be genuinely concerned about a problem that to all but the blind has come to a place where it must needs be addressed.
I doubt a person wearing a ski mask on a trail would be complaining that their attempt at being able to attack their victim was hampered by a vicious animal and as such should be removed...
@mpshake
My yard borders a popular dog walking area in my neighborhood, and I was frequently the recipient of unwanted doggie droppings. I found that a few tablespoons of chili powder mixed in a gallon of water and poured along my property line was very effective at eliminating the problem.
Thanks...
I appreciate your helpful advice. Dogs do have an acute sense of smell, I believe that is how they determine where they are going to "mark their territory." This seems a reasonable enough remedy, ...I'll give it a shot!
OMG - stop with the dog
OMG - stop with the dog bashing!
Ed, Kevin, George, and Ryan, who do you people think you are?
This letter is truly uncalled
This letter is truly uncalled for and the authors all need a good spanking. I have been out and about and have not seen any of the above mention problems. Yes there is dog poop, but it is spring time. I love seeing the dogs out with their owners. Lets be supportive of each other and of our differences. Come on people its spring time, play nice.
OMG
I think we need to ban dogs on trails like the ATV's and we shouldn't allow any children on trails because they can just be way to loud and interrupt a quiet stroll near the quiet airport. And sometimes they have snot hanging out of their nose and that just isn't very nice to look at. After that let's work on banning the elderly because lets face it, it really sucks to get stuck walking behind someone going slow. Maybe we should just close all the trails so we can just look at them from afar so they don't get damaged. People in Juneau need to lighten up and pull the sticks out of there you know whats
@catandmouse & haily
You both must be dog owners. Come on...I'm not a dog owner. My neighbors dog poos in my yard then ran down and killed a deer a couple years ago. Was late to work while I waited for animal control to come out and finish the job. Been jumped on and growled at. Steppin around the poo on the trail. Sorry but many owners have a lack of manners. It's a problem. Denial won't make it go away.
Taking responsibility must
Taking responsibility must work both ways
I always see this one lady out walking on the Airport trail that waves her arms every single time she sees a dog. And she does not like dogs. Apparently this lady does not have a clue how dogs think because the dog thinks she wants play. I have also see where people will talk to a dog as they are walking (oh aren't you are soooo cute blah blah) but then these very same people will get very upset when the dog walks over to them and get them dirty..
So, gentlemen when you are 'fielding" calls are you offering any suggestions for the public? Are you "fielding" these calls for clueless? Perhaps placing a simple sign on the subject next to the doggy poop bags with a few suggestions would be helpful.
I see other types of signs for the clueless.
The Authorities
Okay, so now I know who to complain to about irritating pets. Now who can I go to about irritating children? I'd love to see a bunch of them muzzled and, occasionally, leashed....And please pick up your dirty diapers after an outing, folks.
The correlation...?
I have a comment to make concerning the people who associate their dogs to children. I have seen at least two post here that suggests some parallel to dogs and restricting "children" for the same reasons upon the trails. People are irritated at dog owners for allowing their "dogs" to crap all over the place.
Is that how you view our children, ...like dogs? You can't intellectually make a correlation between a dog that is suppose to be cleaned up after & a child that has cognitive abilities. Are you so bereft of insight or even common sense that you don't see that a child is growing in understanding and will eventually become a responsible adult?
The difference in guidance and upbringing toward a child in correlation to a dog that no matter what you do will when left to his own device will crap where people walk? Do you seriously believe there is no discernible difference? Your disagreement seems to be fixated upon irritation towards children in general, their not crapping on the trails! To indicate a child (simply being a child) on a trail is equivalent to this is utter non-sense!
Please discontinue associating your "animals" to human beings as though they are intellectually equal! There is no comparison (not even remotely). If you believe your dog is "your little child" and wish to debate that your dogs are somehow equal to humans then you have issues, if I were you I would seriously reconsider posting your ignorance for everyone to read...
@mpshake
Wow! Really missed the point of my comment. I in no way was comparing my child or anyone's child to an animal. My point was that certain people in Juneau are going to complain about anything that they consider a nuisance to them. Even though other people enjoy it, but if it bothers them in ANY way it needs to stop. I walk my dogs regularly on trails in Juneau and I am a responsible dog owner. My dogs are leashed and I pick up after them. I see poop on the trail and every now and then a wet dog runs up to me, but this has never ruined a walk or disturbed me in anyway. If that is enough to upset someone then something else is going on. I have never been growled out or even threatened by any dogs on our walk. And I go fairly often. So if you actually read my post it's basically saying lighten up. You should too.
The issue is real, the
The issue is real, the problem needs to be addressed. Someone took the time to write an article, its nothing to trivialize or dismiss. All these people are saying is "attend to your animals." When people try to "make light" of what is plainly a disturbance and a source of constant frustration then they will naturally feel as though you are not giving them serious consideration.
I would understand someone recognizing a problem and agreeing that it needs to be rectified or seeking a way (of which there are many) to alleviate the concerns, but there are people (plainly dog owners) who are not taking this seriously, which in my opinion is at the root of the problem.
The alternatives that have been voiced are the next logical step in finding a solution should no effort be made to correct the problem. Banning dogs from certain trails etc. But to take issue with people who are trying to verbalize their concern only shows contempt for those being irritated by the lack of personal responsibility toward animals under they supervision...
Well said mpshake
The bloggers fighting back are most likely a BIG part of the problem,
I have a neighbor that walks her dog offleash
The dog likes to poo in my yard
If I'm outside where she can see me she picks up
If I'm not in sight she keeps on walking
Its a problem
Count the dog owners you see pick up on the trail
Count the ones that don't
Which pile is bigger?
Clues for the clueless
It all boils down to respect. Do you have respect for other people or are you a lazy ... slacker who can't be troubled to clean up after yourself? Pets are not humans no matter what some people may believe, they are property like your iphone or TV. You are welcome to enjoy your property but not when it infringes on others.
Oh, but if you are a "hunter"
Oh, but if you are a "hunter" its ok to shoot, injure, kill and eat the birds and the deer and as a "hunter" you can carry a loaded gun on our trails, right near people out walking their dogs, you can carry a loaded gun right next to our airport, next to our homes and shoot your heart out for 3+ months every single year. Many people have even complained about their homes getting hit by your stray bullets but who cares about that and who cares about all the ammo waste that you leave behind and will remain behind as waste for hundreds & hundreds of years? Its those pesky pesky dogs that are the problem in Juneau.
if you are a "parent" with a child you get to allow your child to run wild, run at, chase & throw rocks at......
if you are a "jogger " its ok to run at and over people with their dogs, scaring both, and causing .....
if you are a "biker" its ok to ride at and over people out walking their dogs, scaring both and causing......
But if you are a "dog with owner" you're just plain bad, you can't do a dam thing. You're just bad bad bad bad dog.
And if you are a "owner of dog" never ever and I mean never ever say excuse me because that means you are "seriously" and "knowingly" a really really really bad owner of a dog
So the moral here is: dog owners just be really rude and carry a loaded gun while out walking your dog (s) and this will make and keep everyone really happy
@barnardj1
Just curious, do you consider children property?
consider that
I have an irresistibly cute dog, who is also a very hyper dog. I know no one likes to be jumped on. Even I hate being jumped on by my dog. But when I am walking my dog on leash, and you approach her because you just MUST pet and coo at my very cute dog, do not be surprised when she loses her cool and tries to jump on you. She's on a leash for a reason! And don't let your children run over to get jumped on, too! That's never smart with a stranger's dog, no matter how cute it is.
I would like to add that some of us are trying to teach our dogs manners, and it is counter intuitive to have someone rewarding them for their bad behavior. Say you approach a dog, and the dog jumps on you. Next thing you know, you have an owner who is trying to pull the dog's leash to get the dog away from you, saying, "I'm sorry, I'm sorry," and you say, "No, I love dogs, it's ok!" while petting her.
It's not ok! I obviously don't want my dog jumping on you, so stop rewarding her for doing so!
I would also like to add that horses make much larger piles than dogs. Why is it okay that no one cleans up after their horses on some of these trails? It may not smell as bad, but I still don't want to step in it.