I'll get this out of the way right now so there is no misunderstanding…I am not an animal lover. Ever since a childhood incident with a German Shepherd I've had a particular fear of dogs, but the truth be told I don't like cats all that much either.

So what am I barking about this time? Well for starters, irresponsible dog owners. Nothing irks me like a dog running loose, with or without his owner in tow. I understand that dogs need space to run around, but not everyone shares your enthusiasm or trust for your particular animal, and I am not the only one that feels this way.

I had a neighbour who owned a pitbull that was constantly getting loose. Even a pen built in the backyard couldn't hold him in. One day while working in one part of the yard I found myself coming back to another only to find my five year-old at the time being confronted by said pitbull. The owner laughed it off, “Oh he won't bite.” Just like all those other dogs wouldn't bite, or that aluminum baseball bat I'd like to club your dog with wouldn't hurt him. That dog was a menace. I'm not sure how many times I saw Animal Control drive through the area looking for said dog. He even followed the terrified mailman on occasion. He got loose one time, and was found a week or so later in another part of the city a good half hour drive away. Did he bite anyone? I'm not sure, but I didn't cry when he disappeared for good.

But what got my juices following recently are those that use the grounds here at Fanshawe as an unofficial off-leash dog park. I've seen dogs roaming the open field in the area closest to Cheapside. Just this week I almost stopped to yell at the guy with his dog back there but the traffic behind me wouldn't have been pleased. There are leash laws for a reason. I don't care if you believe your animal doesn't bite, you can choose to believe what you want, I'll choose to err on the side of caution and believe any animal at any time can bite. Just ask those families that have had to deal with their beloved pet turning on one of their own children.

If you must let your dog run wild do so at one of London's two off leash dog parks, Pottersburg or Stoney Creek, because not everyone enjoys having their crotch sniffed by a dog they don't know with an owner 100 yards away. If you don't know where the dog parks are you can call the London Dog Owners Association at 453-9452 or go online at www.londondogownersassociation.ca to find out what your responsibilities as a dog owner are.
Editorial opinions or comments expressed in this online edition of Interrobang newspaper reflect the views of the writer and are not those of the Interrobang or the Fanshawe Student Union. The Interrobang is published weekly by the Fanshawe Student Union at 1001 Fanshawe College Blvd., P.O. Box 7005, London, Ontario, N5Y 5R6 and distributed through the Fanshawe College community. Letters to the editor are welcome. All letters are subject to editing and should be emailed. All letters must be accompanied by contact information. Letters can also be submitted online by clicking here.