Edelman’s nine-month-old pointer is not fully socialised, and was on a leash in the park when she was approached by a man with his young son and two large, unrestrained dogs. Despite a request to keep his dogs at a distance, the man brought them closer, saying the dogs could play together. However, Edelman’s pointer became frightened when the dogs ran up, and ran away, pulling the leash from her hand and sending her flying. According to Edelman, a reproach elicited only verbal aggression from the man.
“It was so unfair of him to do that…Something should be said,” said Edelman, suggesting that a bigger sign be erected, reminding walkers to restrain their dogs.
According to city council bylaws, it is illegal to take dogs into a public place without keeping them on leashes and under control – indeed, most parks feature signs warning walkers to restrain their dogs. In addition, bylaws state that ‘no person may without reasonable grounds… allow a dog in his or her custody or under his or her control to attack or put fear into any person, animal or bird.’
However, since experiences such as Edelman’s are frequently fleeting, enforcement is difficult. Moreover, according to Ward 72 councillor Steven Kruger, stricter control may not be desirable to residents.
“This is the first time I have had a complaint of this nature,” said Kruger. “Probably because most people who take their dogs to parks actually prefer to have their dogs off their leashes to let them run around, and only put the leash on if there is a problem… my understanding is that dogs do tend to interact better when they are off the leash, and it is probably a good idea for dogs in general to be taken for training to socialise.”
While larger signage could be requested as part of the upcoming upgrades at Dan Pienaar Park, Kruger did not believe this measure would help.
“You will see often that when there are big No Dumping signs, that is exactly where people dump,” he pointed out.
A workable solution, then, may simply be for dog-walkers to exercise greater consideration, heed warnings, and be safe rather than sorry in allowing their pets off the leash.
