City leaders want to make it a requirement that only adults be the ones walking their dogs

[The Straight Story]

Manassas Considers Tightening Leash Laws

Kids in Manassas may soon be able to get out of a common household chore.

City leaders want to make it a requirement that only responsible adults be the ones walking their dogs.

“At the other end of the leash, there must be an individual who is competent to control the animal,” Manassas Councilmember John Way told NBC Washington’s Craig Melvin.

Way admits this has not been a widespread problem, however one woman recently reported having to jump on the top of a car to escape two stray pit bulls. Way also ran into a similar problem while walking his small dog down a public street.


http://www.nbcwashington.com/news/local-beat/Manassas-Considers-Tightening-Its-Leash-Laws-116390564.html

[Zephie]

1. If a dog wants to get away, it'll get away

Doesn't matter WHO is holding the leash...

[hlthe2b]

3. Exactly... I have seen many timid men and women...

who could not control their big, medium or even little dogs. Conversely, I have seen kids dog-walking three or more big dogs together for extra cash and were as much in control as a professional.

[Zephie]

7. my NAID gets away from my husband on a regular basis

She's easily spooked, and even though she doesn't go far she's quick to run off at the first sign of "danger" (anything from a shopping bag blowing in the wind to a guy on the other side of the road). My husband isn't a small man, and he isn't even timid with her. In the end a dog is another living being and thus has it's own "agenda", and if it is willful enough will carry it out no matter what.

((edit because I transposed the AI in NAID. I do that a lot.))

[hlthe2b]

9. True.. although those trained in animal behavior & with experience

can usually avoid such episodes. Dogs are the epitome of body language--once you know what to look for, you can predict behavioral changes in time to act. I likewise have had a readily spooked dog, so yes, I learned the hard way what to look for. ;)

[mitchtv]

10. that's just not true

a dog on a leash held properly cannot get away if the handler knows what he is doing.

[RedCloud]

2. I wonder if a cat proposed this law?

[Rebubula]

4. HAHAHA

OK...THAT was funny and now the rest of the people in my cubicle farm are wondering if I am nuts for the LOL I just let loose.

Thanks for the break in my monotonous day...

[The Straight Story]

5. Naw, more like someone's nanny

:evilgrin:

[Lasher]

6. I'm glad I don't live in Manassas

No offense to those who do, I hope.

[MindPilot]

8. How is this going to stop stray pit bulls from attacking?

If the cited incidents are indicative of the problem Councilman way is trying to fix, it seems like it doesn't much matter the age of the leash-holder if there is no leash.