We are not criminals or are we?

[Betty]

Do you dare let your dog run outside off leash other than in a “Dog Park” ? Well, I did it and after a long time of great walks in this foresty park Lady and I were caught by the Animal Control Officer of Fairfax County Virginia. We had committed a criminal offense and had to pay $102. We could have gone to Court, but I took the easy way out and paid – how convenient – online.

Have I learned my lesson? Well, I am even more careful and our criminal outings are cut very short. We meet with other criminal minded dog owners and with our adrenalin rushing we watch those terrific dogs do their runs through the forest, sniffing this tree, peeing on that patch of grass, chasing a squirrel (aka tree rats) and sometimes our dogs get a real high, when there is a chance for them to roll in some stinky something. Yes, we clean the poopy our dogs leave, because we like this place. We do not let them chase any humans like runners, bikers or bird watchers.

Lately the Animal Control Officer of Fairfax County Virginia have increased patrolling our stumping ground a hundred fold and criminal citations in our group are increasing alarmingly. Fear is abound and even our four legged friends seem weary. What does get us irritated is the fact, that we are walking our dogs at times when there are very few other people using the park.
Where we meet, we rarely run into none dog owners. We are a careful bunch.

Have you had similar experiences? I love to hear from you!

[JACQUE]

I believe there should be a place(dog park) where we can exercise our dogs. At the same time, hikers, runners and walkers etc. should not have to worry about running into dogs or their poo either. Even though you may be a good dog Mom and clean up after your dog , that doesnt mean everyone would and unfortunately if they let one do it then they have to let them ALL do it. People that are afraid of dogs or just dont want to be bothered by them have rights too. And I am a firm believer in the fact that the law IS the law and if you break it you know the consequences. Don't get me wrong...I love dogs but I personally would not break the law when there are other alternatives.
So, in answer to the title question, my opinion is...if you willingly , knowingly and repeatedly break the law...you are a criminal. ( No matter how much you love your dog)

[Betty]

Thank you so much for your comment. I respect your answer and want to explain my point of few a bit more:



If we are all equal under the law, then all should be able to enjoy a public area equally.



For some that means running, without bumping into a walker. Bikers, who love to go real fast still make sure they are not plowing into a group of people. Then there are dog owners who want to exercise their dog being ever mindful of other people around them. What an ideal situation! We know, that is not what happens.



After the picnic is over, there is trash everywhere and I keep my dog on the leash because of all the bone and food that has been thrown there by people. I do not walk my dog over a playground, she is on the leash when we walk by the street or sometimes on the street where it has happened more than once that I had to shout at a biker who did not look where he was racing.



I disappear with Lady in the forest where the path is to uneven and often blocked by fallen trees or very slippery and muddy after a rain shower and therefore not used by bikers and runners and most other visitors. Occasionally, I pass a bird watcher and as we pass on this narrow path I hold Lady.



To tell you the truth, I do not like to go to dog parks. The once I have been to in our area are large cages with gravel or other sand and poop everywhere. Many dog owners who come there do not look after their dogs while visiting the park. The only place where I have seen dogs and people getting bitten was in a dog park.