By Kay Godden
This summer I have observed a dog (not a service dog) sniffing at the produce and meats in a small grocery store. He could have as easily lifted his leg and urinated. The manager said there was nothing he could do!
I was waiting for my car to be serviced when I had a dog jump onto my lap and the owner thought it was just wonderful! Another dog was romping around the waiting room unleashed. The owner said he was not going restrict the dogs (or their owners).
I was mauled by a dog as a child and as a nurse have seen what dogs can do. Dogs are not people, folks, and should not be expected to behave as people in people settings.
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Ross Pease says
First I would like to say I am a dog lover and have owned a dog most of my life ( at least 60 years). I do not approve of irresponsible dog owners allowing their dogs to run free either outside or inside. We do have laws in place that prohibit such actions. Where is the enforcement? I have yet to see anyone in Huntsville that represents bylaws enforcement doing this job. I am not saying they don’t exsist only that if there is one they are very scarce. The city needs to step up enforcement of its bylaws and get this under control. A lot of dog owners are responsible but a lot are not. If you feel you cannot tolerate your animal on a leash then leave it at home when you visit town. Dogs running unsupervised are fine on your own property or out in the bush but town is not the place for loose dogs regardless of how cute you may think they are. As stated in the article some people are terrified of them. And by the way shop owners can do something about dogs in their stores… put up a sign stating that only guide dogs and legitimate support dogs are allowed. Just my humble opinion of course.
HAROLYN HUSSAIN says
Well said Ross Pease !!! Also it is safer and better for the dog as well.