Leash laws benefit both dogs, community

To the Editor:

I’d like to thank Janet Franklin for voicing the perspectives of many of us in the community who support the continuation of leash laws. I’d also like to express gratitude to the majority of dog owners who have clearly trained their dogs to walk beautifully on leash, remaining at their sides without tugging, straining or lunging when others walk past. (“Uncivil war breaks out on the South Burlington recreation path,” Oct. 26, 2023)

Many of these well-trained dogs would no doubt remain at their owners’ sides even without a leash. However, there are also many wonderful dogs who would not. They are dogs who seem unable to resist the urge to greet every human they pass. I imagine these same dogs, if not on leash, would be difficult to restrain.

As a daily walker, I’m alarmed when an off-leash dog runs at me. I have no idea if it’s going to jump on me or run past. Its owner yelling, “Don’t worry, he’s friendly” does nothing to allay my anxiety. Walking the South Burlington bike path over the years, I’ve been bitten, chased, slobbered on and knocked over. Thankfully, due to leash laws, these are rare occurrences. I’d hate to think how often this thing might happen if our leash law was eliminated.

It’s not just people who are stressed by dogs off leash. I sat on the jury for a dog-bite case where an expert on animal behavior was brought in. He informed us that dogs on leash become stressed and feel unsafe when they see dogs off leash. For this reason, he advised that even well-trained dogs be kept on leash. He also recommended the gentle-leader as more natural, effective and healthier than neck-leashes.

Regarding the idea that the leash law should be eliminated because not everyone follows it, let’s not lose sight of the fact that most of our community’s wonderful dog-owners do follow the law. So obviously, it works. However, we need more designated dog parks and areas for dogs to run and play off-leash, for the health of the dogs, their owners and community.

Stephanie Miraglia

South Burlington