Roaming dogs, or dogs at large, a more legal term, have always been the most-reported animal challenges people of our community complain about and want the law to enforce.
Animal control is called, or not, but the problem just keeps on being the gift that keeps on coming. There are many reasons people have for allowing their dogs to run free and not be constrained in any way.
Personally, I feel it is just plain selfish and self-serving without any care for other people’s private space. Also, your dogs can find multiple ways to destroy, kill and get killed, as well. Oh, you love your dogs … really … is that love?
Does anyone have the right to expect their property and their animals not be destroyed and their pets killed or injured? I will never forget the day a family brought their dead, young dog to me wrapped in a blanket one day at The Taos News. The dog had been mauled to death by two dogs in his own yard. No one would help this family receive some justice. They were desperate for someone to see what an impact their dog’s tragic death had on the family.
Today I have spent the majority of my time working on a report that came to me this morning. A certain neighborhood in our county has been consistently experiencing the harassment of two dogs that yesterday killed a beloved pet dog.
Both dogs attacked the dog in front of the owner, who watched them kill her dog. She is devastated and overcome with grief. She feels as if she has lost her best friend and companion. He went everywhere with her. I am hearing from neighbors who are upset and disgusted with the attack dogs’ owners. They have been approached many times and apparently do not feel any accountability for the concerns and pleas from their neighbors.
This is not the only incident by a long shot. Roaming dogs are everywhere. If everyone who had problems with dogs running at large came to a meeting, you would fill the room with standing room only.
The laws are there, but without enforcement, the laws don’t mean much. There is a breakdown here between animal control, the shelter and the community — a big breach of information. I expect the animal control officers to enforce the law in the animal ordinance, and I expect the animal officers to have the latest information given to the public. That did not happen in the aforementioned dog attack. We need more county animal control officers, as well. Taos County is a lot of country to cover for two officers.
A few years ago, a bill was attempting to get through the legislature that would brand certain breeds as dangerous. Thank God it failed. When you have breeds banned as dangerous over other dogs, the owners are subjected to discrimination, especially in rental properties, insurance, etc.
The bill that was passed and is in the Animal State Statute law is called “The Dangerous Dog” law. Basically, you, the owner, are held responsible for your dog, regardless of the breed. It doesn’t matter if your dog is a Yorkshire terrier, cocker spaniel or a pitbull, you are the one held accountable and responsible for a dangerous pet. A dog that kills another animal, depending on the circumstances, is a dangerous animal.
Here are the town and county animal laws on dogs at large. Animal Protection of New Mexico Cruelty division can be called in, as well.
Part of the 2011 county ordinance reads:
5-1 Dogs Running at Large-. It is a violation of this Ordinance for any owner to allow or permit any dog to run at large. Any dog permitted to run at large in violation of this Section is declared to be a nuisance, a menace to the public health and safety, and may be taken up and impounded as provided in Section 3-1, et seq. in addition, its owner shall be subject to the penalties set forth in Appendix A. 5-2 Dog on Owner’s Property A. Any dog that attacks and kills another domestic animal will be impounded and the owner fined and to appear in magistrate court.
Town of Taos 6.16.040:
B. Animals Off Owner’s Property: 1. Any animal, excluding cats, off of its owner’s property shall be kept on a leash at all times in compliance with this chapter, and/or under the immediate physical control of a person capable of restraining the animal. Voice command is not an acceptable form of control, except in areas specifically designated by the town.
Dogs that roam freely will often join packs. Even without a pack, their primal, feral instincts surface, and killing wildlife and domestic animals become almost a “normal” part of their day. At home, their behavior will be different. Perhaps you feel that this kissy face, cuddly, good dog would never act in this manner. How about a first clue? Your neighbors are complaining. Quit being so selfish and keep your animals at home — secure for their sake and the sake of your neighbors.
So whether you live in Talpa, by the county club, in town or in the Tune Drive area, quit being negligent. Have regard for your neighbors and pay attention to their concerns. If you dog is confiscated by animal control, your dog will be put in a cage for as many days it takes to go to court. Is that love?
Your dogs can be shot or poisoned because you will not be accountable. Is that love?
Taos News
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