Letter: Any unleashed dogs pose a threat
Saturday, June 30, 2012
During a walk with my 4-month-old and 11-year-old daughters, I noticed an unleashed large dog a block ahead. The only way to return home was past the dog. Rather than put my infant and young daughter in danger, I waited 25 minutes for the dog to leave.
About a month ago, my 8-year-old son was terrified by another large unleashed dog barking during his one-block walk to school. He was fearful in part because of a previous incident when another dog jumped up, knocking him down and scratching him. That dog's owner apologized and said his dog was just trying to be friendly.
Last week, with my three children in the car, I had to swerve to avoid hitting a little dog, also off its leash. Its owner smiled a sheepish apology.
A few months ago my daughter's classmate was attacked by a stray pit bull on her way to school. She missed two days of school and required stitches to repair her face wounds.
Dog owners, please put your dogs on leashes when outside and ensure that your dogs cannot leave your property when home. I don't know if a dog roaming the street is safe or not. And even nice dogs can be dangerous in the wrong circumstances.
Rachel Williamson
Vancouver
