Sunday, January 20, 2008

Leashes Should Be Optional

I don't get why humans think dogs should be on leashes all the time. It places an extra burden on humans to be tethered to us dogs... plus it restricts my ability to sniff and pee at will. Some dogs say leashes are cruel and unusual punishment, sort of like the ball and chain that felons used to drag around in long ago prisons. Leashes should be used for safety and directional guidance only. The rest of the time, we should be able to air out out stride and hear the wind in our ears.


15 comments:

Anonymous said...

Ripley: If you want to change the law, work through the system, don't disobey it. There is a leash law in Fresno, and I personally wish it were obeyed more. I have been jumped on by too many dogs who are "let run" at Tenaya Park. If I remind the dog owners of the leash law, I become the object of disdain and am told "I have the leash in my hand." Which isn't the point at all. Owners do not have control of their dogs when they are off the leash. Perhaps a longer leash would give you more freedom.

Amber-Mae said...

I so so so agree with you Ripley! Leashes should be banned actually! Well, should be banne3d for those who are already trained to come back when called & for those who do not run away... I love freedom!

Love licks,
Solid Gold Dancer

Frasier said...

Mommy said that I' d be off like a shot!!!
Frasier

Lorenza said...

Hi, Ripley!
My mom says taht we are on leash for a reason. I don't know what reason is that!
I love my walkies so I don't mind to be on leash all the time!
Have a great Sunday
Lorenza

Peanut said...

I wish I could be off leash but mom says no way since i can't behave. She hates dog's who can't behave and their people let them off leash. She doesn't mind the ones who can behave though

powder-puff said...

HEY ripley!!

I agree with you 100% but my mum says that i am not trained to come back when called!!

so until then i have to have a leash.....DARN!!!

hope you have a great day!!

peace out
puff

Urban Smoothie Read said...

yea...i think is irritating too.... but owner said that i'm street-dumb...i can't cross the street myself...

n i will also run across the street to chase down the innocent kitty...

sob

Ripley said...

I need to respond to Grammy. Fresno County's leash law requires dogs to be on a leash or under the immediate control of a responsible person (see April, 2006, Tenaya Park News on this topic). The law does not define "under immediate control."

In my family's opinion, we are complying with the leash law to the fullest extent. A longer leash wouldn't allow us to chase and retrieve tennis balls and get the exercise we need each day.

Reasonable people can and do disagree. We obviously disagree about what's "under immediate control." Laws never will be able to resolve these kinds of interpersonal conflicts. Wouldn't it be nice if everyone took personal responsibility for maintaining peace and harmony among each other?

If my housemate, Bina, or I both you when you're at the Park, you should let my mom or dad know. They will keep us away from you at that moment, and watch out to keep us away from you when we're all at the Park in the future, too.

Anonymous said...

Used to have the luxury of being unleashed. But soon lost that privilege due to my canny character. :(

powder-puff said...

Hey Ripley!

I just came by again to say that i gave you an award, so you should drop by my blog and check it out!!

Lots of Love!

peace out
puff

Anonymous said...

Ripley: I checked with my legal consultant and learned that "immediate control" is when the dog is in the immediate area of the responsible person, so that he can reach out and restrain the dog when necessary. Running across the park and returning when called is very nice, but not legally considered to be under immediate control. Hope this helps.
Grammy

Ripley said...

Silly you, Grammy! Just because you claim your legal consultant says something is true, you think my family or I take that as gospel truth? We've been around the block lots of times and know how things go with attorneys. You and I both know the "law" isn't that black and white.

Crikit, Sparky, Ginger! said...

bark on brother and we'll join ya!

Love Licks & waggin TX tails

Anonymous said...

Checked with the SPCA - they say if the pet is off of your property, it must be on a leash - the "or in immediate control" clause means when the dog is in your home or fenced yard. Call them yourself. 233-7722

Ripley said...

Again, Grammy, my family and I don't agree with you. I guess that's why we have a court system complete with lower courts, State Supreme Courts, and a U.S. Supreme Court. The courts are the ultimate arbiter of disagreements about how laws and regulations will be interpreted and should be enforced. Even then, Supreme Court decisions change as society's views and the composition of the Court changes.

So, you're wasting your time and energy barking up the wrong tree. Instead of wasting time on my blog, why not start your very own dog hater's blog? The way the blogosphere operates, I'm sure you'll find other dog haters who share your views and enjoy commiserating with you.