I’m writing this letter to the editor in reference to the dog situation we had in Union Park during the last week. Every time I hear of one of these incidents, I cringe. It truly bothers me, so I’ve decided to put pen to paper.
Enough is enough. I’m not sure what can be done but something has to. The dog owner knew the dog was a problem as it had previously been involved in an incident. Sure, there are fines and such but these are after the fact. What is it going to take to rid our town of this problem? If this would have been one of my small grandsons out for a walk with their parents I would be writing quite a different letter.
I’ve walked around Newton for more than 25 years and I don’t think I should have to carry a ball bat for protection. I have a buddy who walks a lot in northwest Newton. He carries a golf club with him when he walks, and I’ve yet to witness him practice his golf swing. We all know why he has it.
My wife and I like to walk outside when it’s nice but I fear for our safety. I have changed my route because of a dog situation, and for the most part walk on a treadmill inside. I don’t feel like I should have to be afraid to walk outside.
My family has had dogs for more than 25 years and every time we take them outside they have been on a leash as our yard is not fenced in. There’s a leash law in this town for a reason. As my wife likes to say in various situations, “What if everybody did that?” in this case meaning to let their dogs run loose. What indeed. Come on people. Let’s wise up and put the dogs on leashes before something tragic happens.
Doug Swanson
Newton