Have you ever tried to find out if dog poop must be cleaned up or cats must be kept on their own property or on a leash in your town? Some cities and towns are very good about having all laws available and searchable online while others, not so much.
I think back some ten years ago when a roommate of mine allowed his cat to wonder about outside, until one day the cat was picked up by animal control and the owner fined for noncompliance of the city's leash law. Yes, this particlar city did, in fact, have a leash law for both dogs AND cats. When I started thinking about how accessible local laws are or are not, I decided to call this city's animal control office to inquire about the law. My question was simple, "Does your city have a leash law for cats?" The first answer I received was, "No." Having some experience with that law in that city I pressed for more information. After a few minutes on hold, the person came back on and had found, herself, that the leash law did, in fact, cover cats.
I am not trying to put any locale on trial. I only use this as an example of how difficult it can be to stay informed of local laws, particularly those pertaining to animals. If we want people to be responsible pet owners shouldn't we, at the very least, make sure they are aware of the laws they must follow?
In an effort to educate the public, the Animal Welfare League of Arlington has put all Arlington County companion animal and wildlife laws, in layman's terms, online. We hope that Arlington residents find it helpful and it makes it a little easier for our citizens to be responsible, law-abiding pet owners.
Thursday, October 30, 2008
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