*Menu
Search
Submit
McCook Gazette
Editorial

It's up to dog owners to avoid tighter restrictions

Tuesday, July 22, 2008

Several Nebraska cities are considering a ban on pit bulls or other types of vicious dogs, and it is naturally generating a lot of debate. Pit bulls are natural-born-killers, goes the argument for the ban. No, Staffordshire terriers are friendly if properly trained, say their owners, and it would be unfair to ban them simply because of genetics.

Meanwhile, a pit bull was involved in one of two stories today about dog attacks, and the other was simply described as a large dog.

How much of a problem are dogs in McCook? Well, we highlighted dog-related calls for the weekend's "On the Record" with yellow ink, and by the time we were through, the newspaper looked like the tablecloth at a sweetcorn supper:

FRIDAY:

8:19 a.m., 1000 block of E. Fourth -- dog at large

4;40 p.m., 1400 block of W. Circle Drive -- dog at large

8:09 p.m., East Second and B dog at large

8:12 p.m., 1300 block of East B -- dog at large

8:13 p.m., 200 block of Norris Ave. --dog at large

SUNDAY:

12:52 a.m., 100 block of S. Eighth -- barking dog

5:15 a.m., 500 block of East 14th -- barking dog

10:18 a.m., 1100 block of W. Fourth -- lost dogs reported

4:30 p.m., 1200 block of E. First -- dog at large

10:28 p.m., 900 block of E. Fifth -- dog bite

10:41 p.m., 900 block of E. Fifth -- dispatched ambulance

SATURDAY:

12:08 a.m., 1200 block of W. Fourth -- barking dog

9:44 a.m., 1200 block of W. Fourth -- barking dog

10:34 a.m., 600 block of East D -- dog at large

11:54 a.m., 300 block of E. Fifth --dog at large

7:31 p.m., 900 block of East G -- animal/dog bite

In addition, the court news included a case where a man was fined $50 plus court costs for harboring a vicious dog.

So what is the answer?

Banning dogs altogether? What about cats?

We wouldn't want to open up that bag of worms, let alone deprive responsible pet owners of one of the most rewarding and satisfying parts of life.

But pet owners need to use common sense, and make sure their barking dogs aren't bothering the neighbors, nor prone to attack children or adults who are passing by.

And, if they haven't already done so, city officials need to re-evaluate the wise use of professional police officers' time.

Is it best spent tending to problems caused by wayward canines? Should they find room in the budget for an animal control officer? If so, how could the position be funded -- a new dog licensing system?

I don't think any of us would like that to happen.

But, the only way we can avoid more drastic steps is for dog owners to take more responsibility for their animals, and make sure they have proper care in weather like we've been experiencing this week.

Comments
View 3 comments
Note: The nature of the Internet makes it impractical for our staff to review every comment. Please note that those who post comments on this website may do so using a screen name, which may or may not reflect a website user's actual name. Readers should be careful not to assign comments to real people who may have names similar to screen names. Refrain from obscenity in your comments, and to keep discussions civil, don't say anything in a way your grandmother would be ashamed to read.

  • First of all I seriously doubt the City of McCook will do anything. The first go around, they approved the puppy mill south of town and then changed their minds and then lost their battle in the court of law. The City of McCook doesn't like confrontation...why do anything...we're small...we'll be OK...nothing will happen...attitude will get you no where and it won't be safe. Viscious dogs can be categorized in many breeds. It is up to the dog owner in how they raise and treat their animals on how they act around others. We should be doing something not only to the animal but the owner also. Cats...yes, lets limit the number of cats a person can own just like we have limits on dogs. Why should they be any different? They get out, do their thing, next thing you know we have hundreds of strays in the neighborhood and the Shelter is overrun with them. It's called pet ownership responsibility. More people should have it whether or not there are laws.

    -- Posted by FNLYHOME on Tue, Jul 22, 2008, at 11:53 AM

  • Police are here on this earth to protect and serve, that is their job. If there is a possible threat due to a dog being loose then that is their job for the time being. Dog owners do not need to fit any requirements to own a dog. If you think all dog owners out there can be trusted to be responsible dog owners then you need to take a trip to doggy reality. Dog owners may be sleeping, drunk, abusers, out of town, or maybe the dog itself is just aggressive and mischevious. We do not let mountain lions run wild in the streets, we tranquelize them and release them back into the wild. If an animal, say a pitbull, qualifies as a wild animal (rips infants out of wagons by their scalps, or rips off a sleeping toddlers testicles), then they too as a breed should be sent out into the wild never to be domesticated again. To your comment on comparing banning cats to banning wild dogs, if a breed of cat was that aggressive yes it would be banned from being a pet. We are not allowed to have mountain lions or wolves for pets for a reason.

    I just feel you comments and opinions stated in this article are naive and insensitive to children and families who have been victims of these brutal dog attacks. These victims and other readers such as I do not take this subject so lightly. Laws are out there for a reason and to help protect society from irresponsible people (pet owners everywhere).

    Empathetic friend of a victim of a pitbull attack.

    -- Posted by kpole on Tue, Jul 22, 2008, at 12:09 PM

  • I totally agree with tightening restrictions on the ownership of viscious dogs. I can and do empathize with families who have been attacked by one. I am one. My son is one. The limitations on ownership of dogs in the City is 3 dogs over the age of 6 months. I don't understand why ownership of cats can't be limited also. Have you ever tried to approach a stray? There are some out there that will tear you apart. There are hundreds of pet owners just in the City of McCook that are totally irresponsible. Just look at how many dogs are kept outside with no shelter during 100 degree weather.

    I don't think the writer of this article meant any harm. They are just making the facts known that dogs are precious and are considered family members. It's those owners who don't care, treat or train their dogs in the proper manner that we have problems with. I believe the writer is making a fact known that people just need to be more responsible so that our police officers do have more time to spend on other situations. We as a local community can come together and do more to protect our neighbors.

    -- Posted by FNLYHOME on Tue, Jul 22, 2008, at 1:14 PM
Respond to this story

Posting a comment requires free registration: