The unwillingness of Clark County dog owners to obey leash laws and have some consideration for others is impressive. At nearly every park with posted leashing requirements, one is met with dogs rushing at them, bounding off-trail and leaving “gifts” on or next to trees (which, by the amount of baggies left along the trails, is another sign of their owners’ lack of respect).
Even at wildlife refuges, like Steigerwald, spaces that welcome leashed dogs but are for the protection of wild animals and native plants, dog owners seem to view them as nothing more than dog parks, chucking balls into the brush and letting their pets run amok. And “see something, say something” does not help; one is met with blank stares, laughed at, or told that their dog is “different” and “special” and therefore above the rules.
Public spaces like parks are for the enjoyment of all. Being rushed at by unknown animals, seeing habitat destroyed, dodging feces: All of this could be avoided with a miniscule amount of thinking and caring about others. If one can’t commit to being a responsible dog owner, one should not own a dog.
