Newport-Mesa residents split on dog leash ruling

This is regarding “Newport can tighten leash� (Sept. 5) and

(Readers Respond, “Let the dog swim without a leash,� Sept. 10).

First off, dogs, even though they are domesticated, are still

animals and as such are unpredictable. They should be restrained at

all times when in public, with the exception of designated areas such

as Costa Mesa’s Bark Park.

As a person who has a family history of four family members being

attacked by dogs, admittedly I have a bias. Aside from these things

in the distant past, I have, when walking in the Back Bay, personally

witnessed people (walkers/joggers/cyclists) allowing their dogs to

tag along unrestrained. One such cyclist’s dog lagged behind, crossed

in the direct path of another cyclist, who was unable to divert his

path in time and, as a result, was catapulted over his handle bars

onto the asphalt. He appeared not to be seriously injured, but was

understandably quite shaken.

Amazingly, I saw the same irresponsible individual out on the path

within a few days, with a leash in his hand not attached to his dog.

The dog was again running around at will. I was appalled at the total

lack of concern for the safety of others demonstrated by the dog’s

owner.

From Red Baron’s photo, he is indeed a beautiful golden

retriever.Nevertheless, unless his owners and other owners who wish

to enjoy watching their dogs frolic in the surf can convince Newport

Beach to designate a “dog beach,� Red Baron and all dogs at the beach

need to be on a leash and under control by someone able to exert it.

Otherwise, I suggest they take their dogs to Huntington Beach where

such a beach already exists.

Bottom line: Dogs, unless in areas set aside for their

unrestrained enjoyment, should -- no, must -- be restrained at all

times when in public. That would be for their sake as well as for the

health and safety of the public.

ILA JOHNSON

Costa Mesa

There were so many good letters to the Pilot regarding the idiocy

of not letting dogs go into the water without a leash. Doesn’t anyone

in the courts/government use any common sense anymore? How about

using our hearts a little bit along with that common sense?

JO PYLES

Newport Beach