$1,000 fine in Baltimore - Page 2

"While there may be some ACO's who look for ways to rack up the citations, I have never know any."

I know five.  Seriously, I think you are definitely the exception to the rule, then.  All the ACOs I know and/or have experience with would certainly ticket ANY dog off leash at ANY time if they caught them.

I'm glad you act as you do, but lots - definitely - lots, do not.

Your story about the boxer is great; I'm sure it must be so frustrating to see this attitude and behavior again & again.

Baltimore has a huge problem with dog fighting. I think that was the reason for this law, not for regular pet owners. After lots of backlash there is talk of rewriting the law to delay the $1,000 to the 3rd offence. It seems there is a shortage of dog parks in the city.

Oh, I'm sure the dog fighters are the problem.  Hmmmmm.  Let's see now, people who already don't obey the law and fight their dogs anyway are sure golly gee whiz gonna obey a leash law.  This is like that Chicago anti-breeding ordinance from last year, where the aldermen were on record saying that they supported it in order to stop dog fighters from breeding dogs.

Yeah, right.  So people who totally disregard every other dog law about fighting dogs are suddenly going to obey some breeding ban?

The Chicago law did not pass.

 

After a hearing that lasted more than three hours, drew about 50 people and was dominated by those who wanted the fine lowered, the council's legislative committee voted to change the leash law's $1,000 fine to a staggered penalty system. First offenders would pay $200, and those caught the second and third times would pay $400 and then $600.

http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/local/baltimore_city/bal-te.to.leash13may13,0,962676.story

Gershep2,
The problem I have is that the law refers to an owner that allows a dog to run off leash.  Typically what happens on this site and in politics in general is that things are taken out of context, as I believe you did in this instance.  You use the language, "running at large, and dogs that are allowed to roam at will."  This is a far cry from an owner allowing his dog to run off leash.  The latter implies a person such as myself, doing obedience in town, then doing some off lead heeling or fetch.  Huge difference.

The problem with all of this is that many that do not know dogs are making policy using the scenerios and language that you used, making things sound much worse than it really is.  As a child, I saw dogs everywhere I went, "roaming" around as you put it.  Getting into trash, scaring people etc. etc.  Today, I cannot remember the last dog I saw roaming around.  Look around and tell me where all these dogs are.  In my travels, I do not see this as a problem.

Now you bring in a law that is absalute.  So us responsible people that enjoy taking our dogs in public for socializing and distractions while doing obedience are now out laws, facing huge fines for adding to this huge problem that in reality, we don't have.  This IMO is about $$$ and control.

You mentioned that you are a considerate person that gives people the benifit of the doubt, that you "warn them", and if this does not work then you up the anti.  I am going to take you at your word and believe you do just that.  But, that is not what the law says.  It also leaves it up to the officer to do his job of enforcing these laws.  In other words, we, John Doe tax payer, responsible person, has no guarantee that his off lead heel will not cost him $ 1k. 

I do not mean to be harsh with you personally, but this is exactly why we have so many b.s. laws dictating what, when, where, how I am to deal with my own dogs.  We like to use hyperbole, exagerate the needs, blow up isolated incidents as though they were the norm, use language that implies something more than it is, then pass laws that are written in such a manner as to take individual rights away.

I have dealt with angry animal control people that were unreasonable, over the top, threatening and on and on.  So IF laws are to be passed, then at least right them more reasonably, looking out for everyone, not just those that like to right new laws.

One last thought.  Most folks do not see these laws through.  We, as a people, seem to only be able to see something that is right in front of us, unable to look down the road and see the bigger picture and the problems that will follow.  I read a few of the posts on this and some are concerned about dogs running by their yards, or dogs running up to them.  Unfortunately, the people that allow their dogs to do this will continue to do so.  Why?  Because they are irresponsible.  No law is going to change this, or at least it will have little effect.  Irresponsible people stay irresponsible regardless of consequenses.  This is what makes them irresponsible, they do not learn.  The folks that are hurt by these laws are the responsible people that have well trained dogs that they keep control over.  I guess we are doomed to continue to pass such laws as we are unable to see how futile they are.

this would be good in ky. were the old lady around the block lets her  lab poop in everybodys yard. And she has a fenced in yard guess she does not want to clean up after her dog.

Where do I get in line for the cool aid?  Sounds delicious, looks good, therefore it must be great.  Have you ever noticed how people that have an agenda that will not carry any weight on it's own, use exagerated statements, half truths, lies, or deception to sell their product.  Why?  Because their product is not good enough to stand on its own merit.  Have you noticed how most folks are so gulible as to believe those with hidden motives?  These are the 99 that get in line for the cool aid cause someone told them it was good for them.  My gosh folks, read between the lines.  Think just a little.

I would like to ask Germshep one question.  You stated "There is no greater pain for me than to have to bring a dead dog home to it's family."  Is this really a true statement, or is it a statement that is meant to reinforce your "feelings" and convince the folks to get in line for the cool aid?  I will not get in line with those that do, just as I am not "touched" by the cries of PETA, animal activist groups, humane societies and the rest that rely on tugging at peoples heart strings to get their agenda passed through.  A little good sense makes up for a a truck load of emotional blather.

Olsk,
Yes, it was a true statement. It kills me to have to bring a dead pet home to someone. You don't know me at all. I put my heart into my job, and do it to help the animals and educate the public. It's not emotional blather. Do you want to know how many problems I have seen with owners having their dogs off lead doing training/socializing? Many owners feel that their dog is under their voice control, but when put to the test, they were really not ready for that step. I have seen dogs bolt across roads and get killed by traffic while trying to get at something all while being under the owners control.  I've seen many dogs under the control of their owner, break command and attack other dogs or chase down running kids or joggers.  I know there are some great owners out there who do the right thing, but too often, the owners think they know more than they do, and think their dogs are perfect.  How many times have I heard, "But my dog never did that before." or "My dog would never do that."  There are areas in my town where dogs are allowed off leash for training etc. but I do more bite reports there than any other area. I do my job for the animals, not to get $$ out of the owners.