Dogs truly are a man’s best friend, so, for many pet owners, proper playtime and exercise is crucial to their pets’ and their own health. While walking your pup around the neighborhood is a favored pastime, the combination of entertainment and fun can take a dangerous turn within minutes.
Walking dogs, whether in a park, on a hiking trail, or in your local neighborhood gives both pet and owner the necessary exercise they need. But, the responsibilities of the owner are crucial for the safety of themselves and those around them.
For many owners, putting pets on a leash is almost a second nature. But for the irresponsible pet owners of the world, walking pets without a leash grows increasingly common. While this may not be as dangerous of an issue with a well-behaved and disciplined dog, things get much more dangerous with aggressive pets.
By not leashing dogs, many risks come into play. Having a dog roaming with no leash puts the health of everyone around them at risk. According to the ASPCA, “Pet owners who allow their pets to roam unattended are putting the animals’ welfare in jeopardy and creating a nuisance to neighbors, other domestic pets and wildlife.” Other dogs may not react well when encountering another animal that is roaming free. Bites become more common when aggressive dogs are not controlled by a leash. By not leashing your dog, many people are put at risk.
Not leashing your dog is dangerous to not only surrounding animals, but to other bystanders or people nearby. Animals, especially those not on a leash, are unpredictable and potentially dangerous to anyone nearby. Pets who lack leashes are much more dangerous than one may expect and should not be taken lightly.
Other matters, such as cleaning up after your pet, are enforced through fines and consequences. Perhaps if a fine was introduced, more pet owners would take this dangerous issue more seriously.
All in all, a walk in the park can be an enjoyable experience, but it is crucial to obey rules and regulations to be a responsible pet owner so that you, your pet, and those around you, can have a fun, but more importantly, a safe time.
