More Than a Pet Peeve
Dogs Off Leash

Each year while teaching and advocating for equestrian trails at The Park Ranger Training Institute in North Carolina, one of the discussions that continues to surface is dogs off leash and the rampant disregard for leash laws. Rangers and park users from across the United States are exceedingly frustrated with the problem.

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The presence of off-leash dogs can lead to unsafe trail conditions, habitat destruction, potentially dangerous wildlife encounters, and the provocation of severe fear and casualties in both horses and humans. It is important to consider the impact of such actions on the environment, wildlife, habitats, public safety, trail user experiences, and dog owner liability.

 

​Leashing dogs on public land, even in areas lacking explicit leash laws, is essential for the safety of all users, especially near horse trails. Off-leash dogs can create challenging situations that go beyond simply acclimating horses to dogs. Most horses are used to dogs in their home settings but encountering them in unfamiliar locations introduces additional safety concerns. This is further complicated when dogs (leashed or not) and their owners are not experienced with the nature of horses.

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Park Personnel have heard all the excuses... “My dog is friendly.”  There is no such thing as a friendly dog to a person who has a paralyzing fear of canines. Even the most pleasant dog can cause injury by inadvertently knocking a person down or getting tangled in the leash of another dog.

 

“There was no one else around.” ​Do you carry absurdly large periscope with you while at the park? My guess is no. (If you do… please, please contact me!) The fact is it is impossible to know who else is in the park. 

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"My dog is trained."  There are no loopholes in the rules for trained dogs. Having a "trained" dog does not empower owners to allow their dog(s) to roam free. Recreational trail users should never have to contend with unleashed dogs, trained or untrained on public land unless they are attending a legitimate, competitive event such as field trails or hunting event. Leash laws mean that dogs must be tethered to a visible leash while on public land and the leash must be in hand"

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What's the solution? Park agencies must begin enacting zero-tolerance policies for off leash dogs.  Zero tolerance means at the very least, every dog owner who is caught with a dog off leash would be issued a citation (plus applicable court fees). In the age of warp speed information dissemination and availability, "ignorance of the law is no excuse," especially since the consequences can be disastrous. 

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To those who keep their dog leashed...thank you! Continue setting outstanding examples. If you’ve been negatively affected by an individual who has unleashed a dog(s), consider writing a detailed and factual complaint letter or email to the agency director, board members and/or city council members. This is an honest way to bring attention to ongoing, dog off leash, safety violations. If you are caught with your dog off leash in a park or natural resource area and you receive a citation, you earned it.  Take the citation graciously and own up to your disregard for rules and safety without belittling or arguing with the officer; moreover, don't do it again. In the end, our safety, our beloved dog’s safety, the safety of others, and natural resource balance are at risk every time we cross paths with a dog off leash. Other enforceable canine related rules might include solid dog waste removal, possession of current year dog registration and proof of current rabies vaccine.

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Are you brave enough to speak up kindly when you see dogs off leash posts on social media? Be cautious and be prepared for aggressive pushback: “My dog is a trail dog!” “My dog is trained!” “My dog is wearing an electronic collar!” “You should train your horse(s)better.” This deflection tactic is aimed at avoiding responsibility; it’s a dirty trick. Not only are rules being violated, but people are also being bullied and belittled for speaking up all while social media posts promote unethical and illegal trail use. When equestrians brush off trail rules it only adds to the negative perceptions leading to increased exclusion.