Editor,
There are leash laws for public parks all across Texas. Tuesday at Boerne Public Park there were three dogs off leash. Why do people always think leash laws don’t apply to their dogs? Dog fights are no joke. And a perfectly mild-mannered dog can flip a switch immediately, especially when it involves a group of dogs. I rescued a female Doberman last fall. She is a oneyear-old now and, at some point, was traumatized by other dogs. She trusts my rat terrier, and loves people, but other dogs are an issue. I am trying my best to socialize her, which includes afternoon trips to the park.
Today I was trying to avoid the couple playing ball with their two big dogs, a Labrador retriever and a collie. I walked over to the swing sets where a woman had a teacup Yorkie off leash. It didn’t listen to her and wandered over to my Doberman and rat terrier.
My poor dog was beside herself and it ruined any positive training I might have been doing with her. Thankfully, my rat terrier just wanted to sniff noses with it and be friends.
All of those pet owners are being negligent. If anything had happened to the off-leash Yorkie it would not have been my dog’s fault because my dog was leashed and we did not approach the Yorkie — but because of the size and breed of my dog, I likely would have been held accountable. That’s not fair. Everyone should follow the rules and then encounters like the above wouldn’t happen. I no longer feel safe returning there. I pay taxes just like the next person and should have the right to enjoy our public parks without fear of off-leash dogs.
Leith Negley Askins
Boerne resident
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