Greenwood has an animal problem.
Throughout the city, it’s common to see dogs roam freely. Sometimes these unleashed dogs are stray, and sometimes they’re pets.
There’s no question that Greenwood has an abundance of stray animals — both cats and dogs — scattered throughout the city searching for scraps. Although Greenwood’s animal control officer is responsible for policing the problem, residents can help by reporting sightings of strays to animal control.
When it comes to pets roaming freely, residents do have control of making sure their dogs are actually on a leash.
Unleashed dogs are not just a nuisance, they’re also against the law, according to Greenwood’s municipal code, although the law does not appear to be stringently enforced. Occasionally you’ll see the names of people in the Commonwealth’s crime report who have been charged with “dogs running at large,” but it’s not often enough.
If breaking the law isn’t a concern, then consider the threat your dog may pose to fellow Greenwood residents.
About a month ago, during my daily run along River Road, where I live, I was chased by my neighbor’s large dog. The chase was short-lived as I was able to escape, but the experience was still frightening.
I’ve heard of people who tow long, blunt objects during their early morning walks along Rail Spike Park to fend off against any potential dog attacks.
One lady has mentioned to me that she now carries Mace with her during runs to ward off any dogs.
Last month, a 70-year-old woman in Grenada was mauled to death by six dogs. The dogs were not strays but instead owned by someone who lived down the street from her.
Letting dogs run loose isn’t a danger just for people, but also for the dogs themselves.
A young couple whom I know in town used to let their own Labrador mix run freely for about 30 minutes each day. One day last year, their dog came back with one eye hanging out. Though the dog survived the attack, it ended up losing the eye. It appeared the injury resulted from a scuffle with another dog.
There’s also the chance that unleashed dogs could get hit or run over by an inattentive driver or pick up an infectious disease or parasite while moseying about.
Society’s attitudes about dogs has changed over the years. We now pamper and glorify them, likening them to our best friends. In that mindset, however, we forget that dogs are still animals that can pose a threat rather than pets that follow our every order.
I don’t know if it’s ignorance or a care-free attitude, but pet owners really should act more responsibly. I’m sure not all unleashed dogs are vicious, but who wants to take the chance?
One thing I enjoy about Greenwood is that it’s a walkable city, thanks to the town’s smaller size.
I still continue my daily runs, only now with the knowledge that I may be unexpectedly chased by a dog.
I’m not at the point where I’ve decided to carry Mace or some other defensive weapon to ward off any dog attacks. And I hope I don’t get to that point.
• Contact Gerard Edic at 581-7239 or gedic@gwcommonwealth.com.
