Nuisance Dogs

Hi Neighbors,
 

1.  We are very blessed that most of our residents are responsible dog owners who keep their dogs confined on their property as the Wilson County Animal Control Ordinance requires.  For those who do not, please understand how your neighbors feel about your violation of the law and their right to enjoy our neighborhood:

“Why can’t people keep their dogs on their own property?  It’s not right that we can’t walk, run, or bicycle on our roads without dogs following, charging, chasing, or biting us.”

“My neighbors and I would love to go out for a walk or bike ride in our beautiful neighborhood but will not do so because of the dogs that…run free….I really feel that if this issue could be corrected we would see more of the residents out…enjoying the subdivision more…and people showing more pride….”

“Why don’t people keep their gate shut to keep their dogs on their property?   At one house, three or four…dogs charge us when we walk by, and one… has tried to bite me….If the owners don’t want to get out of their vehicle to shut the gate, why don’t they install an automatic gate?”

“The other day I was riding my bike with my husband and I was almost bitten by a dog….Please let me know who to contact….”

“I am disgusted with owners who let their dogs run loose to knock over trash cans and scatter garbage all over our neighborhood.”

 “We are very frustrated with our neighbors who let their dogs run around wherever they please.  Their dogs use our yard as their dumping grounds making a mess and killing many of our plants.  It’s …ridiculous.  I have counted at least 8 different dogs that have been roaming freely…. I have also been chased by one of these dogs while trying to walk down the street….I was thankful my children were not with me and I am constantly worrying about their safety….”

 ‘My father walks a lot and he was harassed by a pack of six dogs….I can’t even walk my own dog because of all the animals running loose….Is there anything that can be done?”

 “Today we had six dogs follow us….They got into a fight…then two more dogs came and started a worse fight….One of the two tried to charge at me….Luckily one of the neighbors…came out…to help us.  Turns out this dog has attacked while his daughter was riding her bike one time….I have called the sheriff’s office… and they advised that we can carry a pellet gun for our protection.  They also advised that if a dog aggressively comes towards anyone, we have their permission to shoot.”

“If people have dogs, they need to either have them fenced or tied up even if they think they are friendly since when you get a group of dogs together…there is going to be a fight, and I don’t want to be in the middle of it.  Next time I will shoot [with my air rifle]…to protect myself.  I am not mad or anything, just concerned for my safety, my kids safety, and other people’s safety when they should feel safe to walk down the street and not get attacked or chased down by someone else’s dog.”

“For the safety of all our homeowners, please send a notice informing everyone to keep their dogs in their own yard.”

2.  If you have dogs, please be a good neighbor and a responsible pet owner and obey the county ordinance.  Find a way to keep your dogs on your property.  If necessary, install an “invisible” fence.  Otherwise, don’t be shocked or angry when your dog is injured or killed, or when the sheriff’s department issues you a citation, or when an irate dog-bite victim sues you.  Remember, it’s your responsibility, not your dog’s to obey the law.

3.  While loose dogs are not addressed by the subdivision restrictions and, therefore, not subject to enforcement by Shannon Ridge HOA, they are covered by the county ordinance on nuisance dogs subject to enforcement by the Wilson County Sheriff’s Department.  If you are one of the many fed-up residents frustrated with owners who allow their dogs to become a nuisance, Corporal Laughlin of the sheriff’s department recommends that you do the following:

    
a. Gather the following evidence to provide the sheriff’s department with probable cause to write a citation:

        (1) Detailed description of the dog and what it is doing.

        (2) Owner’s address and information that will help prove ownership of the dog including who shelters, feeds, waters, or plays with the dog.

        (3) If possible, provide photos of the dog on and off the owner’s property.

     b. Call the sheriff’s department (830-393-2535) and do the following:

        (1) Ask for the deputy’s name and the case number and write both down.

        (2) Provide your evidence to the deputy and ask the deputy to issue a citation.

        (3) Keep notes of your conversation.

     c. The next time you see a violation involving the same owner, repeat subparagraph “b” above and reference the case number of your initial complaint.

     d. Report all animal bites to the sheriff’s department.

     e. If you are dissatisfied with how your complaint is being handled, call the sheriff’s department, ask to speak with a supervisor, and provide details from the notes you have kept.

Thanks!

Ken Costa

President, Shannon Ridge HOA