A Few Good Reasons to Leash and Pick up After Your Dog

Dog ownership can be a very rewarding experience. But just as important as the relationship is between pets and owners, is the relationship between pet owners and neighbors.

Keep in mind that to a person who is afraid of dogs, even a friendly dog running up to them can be very distressing, and Chatham County has an enforceable leash law for this reason and more.

Following are a few good reasons to keep your dogs on a leash.

• Be a good neighbor. A dog on a leash shows you are in control of your pet and that you respect those who wish to keep their distance from your dog.
• Whether intentional or not, your dog could bite, knock over, or injure someone. Legal action could arise, as most states have laws pertaining to dog owner liability. Keeping your dog leashed helps you control them and mitigates the circumstances, showing the owner is “exercising reasonable precautions”.
• Loose dogs get into more fights with dogs and other animals.
• Leashing your dog is a great way to show your affection to your pet, as the touch of it gives your dog definite assurance it is protected, loved, and wanted.
• It is a crime prevention device. A dog that is attached to you will ward off anyone seeing you our walking as an easy mark.
• It is the law. The Chatham County leash law is enforced at The Landings, and at all times household pets must be under their owner’s control. Noisy pets are a nuisance and are prohibited. Residents encountering problems should call Chatham County Animal Control (912-652-6575) to file a complaint and resolve this issue.

Being a responsible neighbor doesn’t end with leashing; there also is the matter of cleaning up after your best friend. Following are a few good reasons to pick up after your pet, as offered by www.petfinder.com/dogs/living-with-your-dog/scoop-dog-poop/.

• Storm water carries pet waste and other pollutants directly into waterways.
• Animal waste adds nitrogen to the water. Excess nitrogen depletes the oxygen in water necessary for beneficial underwater grasses, wildlife, and fish.
• Animal waste may contain harmful organisms such as Giardia, Salmonella, and E. coli that can be transmitted to humans and other animals by ingesting contaminated water.
• Roundworms and hookworms deposited by infected animals can live in the soil for long periods of time and can be transmitted to other animals and humans.
• It’s the law! Many urban and suburban areas require you to pick up after your pet. Even if there is no restriction, cleaning up after your pet is always the right thing to do.
• Joining the growing number of responsible pet owners may encourage hotel managers to accept pets when you are traveling and help keep fees to a minimum.
• No one likes to step in pet waste and spread it into homes, cars, and businesses.
• It’s easy to clean up by carrying plastic baggies and paper towels in your pocket. The baggies can be secured and thrown away in the garbage.
• Your neighbors will appreciate your good manners.