Dear editor:
I have observed quietly for some time but I can no longer be silent.
Many dogs are riding in and on vehicles faithfully protecting “their property.” This practice seems admirable until you consider that accidents do happen regardless of whether dogs are riding these automobiles or not.
Have you, as vehicle owners, considered the valuable minutes that can be lost in calming down or destroying an animal so that the victims of an accident can be attended to? Who protects the emergency staff and other victims and/or bystanders who also are involved?
While I love animals and would have one or two myself if I was home more, I strongly feel “Fido” and “Skippy” and all their furry friends should be seatbelted, caged, or tied while riding anywhere, in any type of motor vehicle.
This ensures innocent people walking by, passing, or meeting these vehicles also will be protected.
We are fortunate that up to now, only a few dog bites have occurred, which obviously have not been reportable. But how long do we think we can get by without a major problem?
Many dogs are left in half-tons while owners go inside the shop, visit at the hospital, etc.
I think this practice infringes on my rights and freedoms. As well, dogs are often unpredictable and even a wagging tail can quickly turn into a snarl once you invade “their space and their property.”
Children, as well as many adults, do not understand the danger of approaching “strange” animals. A truck box provides very little protection for passers-by—and very little deterrent if the dog wanted to leave the truck.
If these animals were on land, they would have to be leashed; apparently, no law exists for dogs on vehicles. However, we can all agree together to do our part to make our district a safer place to live.
Dogs have long been called “man’s best friend” for good reason, but at times, people and dogs need to be protected from each other.
Signed,
Dianne Gohn
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