Wednesday, September 24, 2003

PTC's cart path system going to the dogs . . . and cats, too

I agree with Mr. Sutliff in that the path system in Peachtree City is going to the dogs. When we moved to Peachtree City in 1984 there was much more appreciation for the cart path system and people showed that appreciation by keeping their animals on leashes.

As time passed articles appeared in local papers stating that the leash law permitted dogs to run free as long as they were under voice control of their owners. This was interpreted by some few owners that their dogs could wonder the paths and streets at will.

My wife and I have been frequent walkers on the paths and have had several scared moments due to large dogs running toward us.

One lady that evidently did not have her pet under voice control stated to us that the dog would not hurt us. Needless to say we were frightened and did not know her pet as well as she did.

I would vote that all pets be kept on a leash at all times and there be no exceptions. It is too late to explain to someone that their pet is harmless after they have been scared to death.

Dogs are not the only problem, as cat owners also let their pets roam the city. If you pass a house and see the garage door open about six inches, you know the owner is letting their pet roam free. We have several bird feeders in our fenced-in back yard and cats are always shopping for their meals at our feeders. We are lovers of pets but do not let our dog roam out to be a pest to others. What can be done to stop this?

Jim Born

Peachtree City, Ga.