Opinion
Wilton Bulletin Editorial: Rope up Rover

Apr 3, 2008

It is understandable that residents want to give their dogs freedom to roam, to let them run barking and yapping, chasing a squirrel up a tree and just be dogs.

To the owner coming home from a long day of work, an excited dog jumping at their feet is a sure sign that Rover needs some rec time.

But, for parents walking their children down a path in the Center, for the elderly out for a casual stroll, the sight of a dog — big or small — charging towards them unchecked may not be quite as comforting a sight.

A vicious dog is one thing, and owners should have a good idea of their dog’s temperament in the company of strangers, but even a friendly dog — particularly an overly friendly dog — can knock an older person or child to the ground. And some people just don’t like to be jumped on, regardless if it’s by a dog looking to lick their face or one trying to tear out their throat.

The leash law in town must be respected, just as the dog waste ordinance needs to be followed. (The first, after all, would lead to better compliance of the second, as owners with their dogs lashed close by would easily be able to find and pick up their dogs’ leavings.)

The problem with the leash law, as with other laws, is a people issue. Until the town and police start cracking down on violators — which they have promised to do — there is no incentive to follow the law.

On the flip side, a fair argument can be made by dog owners that a place for their dogs to run free — a dog park — would allow them to run their dogs off-leash, in a safe environment.

But just because there is no dog park doesn’t mean residents may ignore the law. If they want to let their dogs run free, they need to pressure town leaders to take action, instead of letting the dog park idea fade into the background, as they have done.

Until then, rope up Rover and keep him close — it’s the law.

© Copyright 2008 by Hersam Acorn Newspapers