From: jsdph@acad3.alaska.edu (Dennis P. Harris)
Subject: Re: Dog Questions
News-Software: VAX/VMS VNEWS 1.41.UAC
Organization: University of Alaska - Fairbanks
Date: Mon, 14 Dec 1992 02:21:00 GMT

In article <92347.111759U49654@uicvm.uic.edu>, Susan M. Singler <U49654@uicvm.uic.edu> writes...
>Hi, here are some pointed questions about day to day problems concerning
>dogs. Remember I live in the midst of 8 million people (Chicago area)
> 
>Do many cities or towns in Alaska have leash laws for dogs?

most larger cities and towns have laws at least as strict as oak park, if not
stricter, but in smaller towns they are not as likely to be enforced.

>If there are leash laws, are they complied with?

if there is enforcement... budget cuts due to lackluster economy have resulted
in many government cutbacks.  in juneau, it's hard to get canine control to
respond to anything except emergencies.

>Are there laws about picking up after your dog?

in juneau, we have a pooper-scooper law.

>Or where you walk the dog?

there are a couple of parks where dogs are not allowed, either because they
have very high density of use (on the downtown waterfront, near the tourship
dock), or because dog waste has caused pollution problems (twin lakes, a
popular summer swimming spot).

>Are dogs allowed inside anywhere besides your personal home?

not very many places, unless it's a handicap aid dog.

>Do many people have phobias about dogs? About over enthusiastic dogs?

not so much phobia, but some people just plain don't want have dogs invade
their space.  they expect dog owners to not inflict their animal fascination on
others.

>Can dogs run loose to play, work, and get exercize, and do their
>    business?

sure, on your own property.  leash laws are in effect for most public areas.

>Will my very active 85 lb. Golden Retreiver freeze to death in the
>    winter just going out to do her stuff?

not likely here in the juneau banana belt, but she will have to be on a leash,
so the question is whether you will freeze.  juneau rarely gets as cold as
chicago.

>Is it near impossible to rent if you have a dog, or cats?

yup.  there is a 2-1 per cent vacancy rate here, and landlords are very choosy.

> 
>--I live just outside of Chicago, Ill. in the Village of Oak Park.
>The leash laws are strict, dogs are just not allowed off leash,
>people are fined.  I pick up after the dog each time, and people
>are fined if they don't (I would anyway because there are too many
>of us people here -- and I want to be one less!)  Even in the forest
>preserves the leash laws are in effect!  I actually was threatened
>with a $150.00 fine one day (in winter yet, with NO ONE THERE BUT
>ME, THE DOG AND A RANGER WHO FOUND US!)
>I do believe in responsible dog ownership but enough is enough!  We
>were nearly 2, I repeat, 2 miles from the nearest house!
>
tough.  i get sick and tired of stepping in dog shit even when hiking in the
woods around here these days, and it's even worse on downtown sidewalks.  in
our woods here, we also have bears and other critters that could do
considerable damage to your dog.  plus, she'd probably be dumb enough to attack
a porcupine.  

>Any insights will be appreciated.

make sure your dog is spayed.  we have too many animals put to sleep at our
animal shelter every week.  and please don't move up here without having a
secure job offer that you have verified with the alaska dept. of labor.  if
you're moving to juneau, expect to take 2-3 months to find a place to live. 
that means that you probably should not bring your dog with you.

>Thanks, Sue Singler.
you're welcome... i think :-)
================================================================================
dennis p. harris				  bitnet: jsdph@acad3.alaska.edu

  "The nation that controls magnetism controls the Universe." --- Diet Smith
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