The Rex Files: Your Dog and The Law

Every year 5 million dog bite reports are filed. Over $1
billion are paid in losses. Reacting to complaints, city
councils are passing ever more ordinances that affect dog
ownership. Neighborhood, rental complexes, and home owners
associations are including rules for regulating pets within
their boundaries. Even insurance companies are putting in
their two cents worth when it comes to our furry family
members. While it's not always a top concern for many dog
owners, it's definitely in your best interest to be aware
of the legal implications of owning a pet. Considering that
animal laws are not usually a result of state or federal
battles (contrary to that portrayed in Legally Blonde 2),
but rather the consequence of neighborhood squabbles turned
complaints to local governments, it's the duty of a pet
owner to be aware of possible nuisance factors and train
your dog to be a good canine citizen, to prevent
confrontation or the threat of litigation.

 

To start, you should become acquainted with the state and
county laws as well as the pet-related ordinances in your
city. These vary from location to location, and can often
be found on the internet. These rules encompass such things
as licensing and tagging your pet, leash laws, limits,
vaccination requirements, breeding restrictions, and areas
where no dogs may be allowed. While most governments have
found it unconstitutional to ban specific breeds, you may
want to check your home owner's insurance policy in case
they charge a fine for more "aggressive" breeds such as pit
bulls and rottweilers.

 

Keep in mind that just because there's not a law against
something, it doesn't mean Rover couldn't get in trouble
doing it. Good neighbor laws constitute practices that keep
canines on the friendly side of the law. Gone are the days
when you could let the dog out unsupervised to do its
thing. Better to play it safe. After all, it is up to you
to prove that you are a responsible owner, and that your
dog is an asset to the neighborhood. Once you've given your
neighbors cause to believe otherwise you may quickly find
out how miserable your neighbors can make your life.

 

First and foremost, know your dog. Know what agitates him,
watch for aggressive behavior and NEVER encourage it by
playing combative games. (The majority of dog bite victims
are family members. Never "mean up" your dog to turn it
into a watch dog!) On the contrary, properly socialize your
dog, and let neighbors, especially their children, know
what your dog will and will not tolerate. If your dog does
bite-or even snap-talk to your vet right away. Dog bites
are the most prevalent and expensive legal problem; take
this warning seriously and keep your dog's nose out of the
courtroom!

 

The second most publicized pet problem has to do with
irresponsible dog breeders. I'm talking about those owners
who start with a female dog, and for one reason or another
they neglect having her spayed. Within months Ginger is
pregnant. Litter after litter, puppies are born, and given
away, left to roam the neighborhood, or dumped. Unless you
are a professional breeder with champion-quality purebreds,
there is no good reason to breed your pet. Don't fall prey
to the notion that Pookie needs a litter to feel fulfilled,
or that Shasta will be a wimp if he is neutered. Above all,
forget the idea that the kids will learn the miracle of
life if their pet has a litter. Good, responsible pet
owners always sterilize their animals.

 

To further foster positive pet attitudes in your
neighborhood, follow these general guidelines: never leave
your pet outside unattended. Dogs left outside may bark,
dig their way out of the yard, or menace passer-bys. Keep
Baron confined when he's not on a leash. Always clean up
after your pet, even in your own yard. A lawn dotted with
dog feces raises eyebrows of even the most patient
neighbor. Finally, attend obedience training for at least
two sessions to teach Rex some manners. You may consider
certifying Winnie with the Canine Good Citizen test when
she is past six months old.

 

Being aware and proactive about the legal side of dog
ownership pays off for everyone in the end: dogs, their
owners, law-makers, as well as the general public.
Remember, it is your responsibility to show that dog
ownership is respectable and responsible.

 

Copyright © 2006 Emma Snow

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Emma Snow an animal lover works in marketing for Dog Pound
http://www.dog-pound.net and Horse Stall
http://www.horse-stall.net leading portals for pet
management.