 |
| May 04, 2025 |
Welcome! Click here to Login
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
Click to visit the
Official Town Site
|
|
|
|
|
|
March 21, 2011
To the Editor,
When I am residing in town I don't get out to enjoy the natural beauty of Black Rock Forest as often as I would like. This weekend, however, I was lucky to get a chance to hike into the forest both Saturday and Sunday. I was immediately struck by the number of dogs off leash in the forest. In the space of two 90-minute walks we came across eight off leash dogs.
The signage at the various entrances to forest property clearly state that hikers should keep dogs on leash. Domestic animals can have a significant negative impact on wildlife and natural places. They disturb wildlife habitats, can catch and kill small animals, can disturb native plant communities, and nesting or resting wildlife that use those areas for food and shelter. That's not to mention the waste they leave behind (in one case, right in the middle of the trail. Classy.) One would think that anyone interested in hiking in the forest would also be interested in preserving its habitat. Apparently not.
Aside from the environmental impact, it appears that it's never occurred to the dog owners we encountered that there are people out there who might be frightened of dogs. I have a son who was attacked by a dog and seeing one bounding towards him down a dirt road or path, especially if he is walking out ahead of us, is not a pleasant experience for him. Of course, the first thing people say to you is, "Don't worry, he/she is friendly." Really? I guess I'm supposed to just take your word for it? If I had a dollar for every time someone with an off leash dog has said that to me I'd be able to retire early. As a boy, I myself was attacked by a "friendly" dog that used to follow me to Lee Rd. school every day. I just happened to make the mistake of stepping into his yard one day. Go figure. How do these dog owners know that their dog is going to react properly towards a frightened child?
I don't let my children run wild in the forest, disturb habitat and wildlife, and defecate on the ground. Why should we tolerate it from dogs (and their owners)?
Ted Warren
Town of Cornwall
Comments:
No comments have been posted.
Add a Comment:
Please signup or login to add a comment.
|
 |
|
|
|
