Metro Detroiters weigh in on unsafe off-leash dogs
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👋 Annalise here, thanking you for sharing your thoughts on off-leash dogs last week.
What we learned: Summer is the time to enjoy outside hours with your furry best friend, but letting dogs wander off-leash is a serious issue with potentially dangerous consequences.
- Readers cautioned dog owners that even if they believe their dog is "friendly," bringing it unrestrained around strangers is unsafe.
Here's what some of you had to say, edited for brevity and clarity:
James R.: Dogs should always be on a leash in public! It's not only about the unpredictability of the animal, but also about that of his surroundings and people in those surroundings.
Shelley V.: As a lifetime Detroiter and dog owner, absolutely no dogs off leash in public areas. We should respect the needs and issues of all humans and dogs.
Caitlin C.: We have a very well-behaved dog who is also extremely attached to her owners. She tends to walk better if we are doing a long walk or hike if she isn't on a leash. However, if we are in a busy area, if anyone else is approaching us, she is always on leash. We know she is well-behaved, but we also know not everyone loves dogs and you have to be respectful in public of that.
Pam W.: I have had dogs run towards me, and it is impossible to tell if they are aggressive or friendly.
Allison K.: I fear too many people assume their dogs will be loved by all. Not everyone is a dog person and others shouldn't have to worry that an off-leash dog will approach them (even if the owner knows the dog is well-trained).
Allyson B.: I have been attacked by 2 off leash dogs while running in Detroit. Both with their owners in view.
- I hate seeing dogs off leash, it makes me feel scared and nervous. It also makes me not want to run outside, which really sucks. I think dog owners need to ground themselves and stop thinking their dog is the exception because it's cute and they love their dog.
Kathy W.: As a pet sitter, I am very wary of unleashed dogs, going so far to say that I'm terrified. If I'm on a trail walking a client's dog and I have to deal with a possible aggressive dog, unleashed and not under control in any sense, well, that's a recipe for disaster.
Madison S.: Miss me with that off-leash dog bullsh**.
BJ T.: Off-leash in public is never OK. It's the law and I wish more people obeyed it. Also, if a nature preserve says no dogs, please obey that as well. I see people walking dogs on "No Dogs Allowed" trails almost every time I'm out and it's very frustrating.