Editor: In response to a letter in last week’s paper, there is no guarantee that the dog Janet Cain was bitten by had its rabies shots; and I would not take the word of the dog owner who acted irresponsibly by not controlling his dog and endangering someone’s life. Unfortunately, this gives good dog owners who are responsible, committed, and who provide more than food, water and shelter a bad name. They give back to these animals unconditional love, the love that they receive from them. Good dog owners not only care and respect their dogs but also respect members of the community by not allowing their animals to act as a weapon and bully, endangering their neighbors and their quality of life.
On Sunday, I encountered an upscale dress shop on the Plaza which accommodated a dog by having the leash on one of the dress racks. I almost stepped and fell on the dog. When I went to the store next door, a dog owner had a small dog on a leash, however, the dog wandered as far as the leash would allow it to go and the dog owner was oblivious as to what the dog was doing since he was involved in looking at merchandise. What is going on in Sonoma?
I hope that businesses allowing dogs on their premises know that:
There is a leash law with consequences if not obeyed.
The businesses as well as dog owners are responsible for injuries and deaths that occur if a dog gets out of control.
That the dog owner, the employee, and the business owner becomes liable and are held responsible for the consequences of the actions of the dog and will be prosecuted and financially sued for an undisclosed amount.
Is it worth it? If anyone encounters an irresponsible, negligent dog owner I suggest that you call Animal Care and Control. The Agricultural Commissioner’s office at 565.7100 or The Department of Health Services. JoAnn Bori at 565.4936.
Eileen N. Klug
Sonoma
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