It’s The “Leash” You Can Do
By Scott Wingfield
I find myself trying to get a message across on behalf of our law-abiding residents, having to endure the poor habits of certain pet owners throughout our community. As a parent, I understand some lessons don’t always get through the first time. However, one would expect adult pet owners to come around a little quicker.
Nonetheless, whether dogs are being walked without leashes, unreasonable noise levels from barking dogs, or dog refuse being left behind by irresponsible owners, clearly there are numerous pet owners who need to reexamine their habits and routines. As a reminder, here are the basic courtesies all your fellow neighbors are asking for:
Use A Leash – Simply stated, no dog is to be outside your home or fenced yard without a leash with an owner on the other end. You may feel that your dog is friendly and controllable, but if you are walking them without a leash, you are not only breaking municipal laws and community rules, but you are also causing undue hardship to your fellow residents. Park visitors and/or walkers of leashed pets find themselves having to deal with your “stray” investigating and scaring them, their children, or their pet(s). Residents, young and old out to enjoy a breath of fresh air can easily be intimidated by even the friendliest of dogs advancing toward them uncontrolled. It shouldn’t take the eventual encounter with a larger, meaner, off leash dog than yours to somehow finally get your attention. Please do the right thing. Use a leash!
Control Barking – Without question all homeowners expect to hear a little dog barking now and then. It’s the nature of the beast. Problems arise when owners allow their dog to bark continuously or leave their pet out while they are gone and assume the dog is quiet. Just to be sure you are not trying your neighbor’s patience, please take the time to ask them if all is well.
Pick Up Dog Refuse – Homeowners and common area maintenance personnel put a great deal of effort into keeping Summerlin looking nice. Residents of all ages bike, walk, run and play in our streetscapes, trails, and open spaces. To keep these areas near and healthy, we need the cooperation of our pet owners. Nothing taints these areas worse than a pet owner who is too lazy or unprepared to pick up the very mess they took their pet “out” to make. Pet owners, please leave your house with the intent of picking up after your pet. The community has provided you with various trash cans and dogi-pots to make the task easier. Choose a route that assures you will pass by a container. Please help us keep Summerlin clean by simply picking up after your pet!
For the most part, we have very responsible pet owners in the community. However, we need the cooperation of all to keep Summerlin a safe, healthy and attractive community. As always, thank you for your help!
