I learned a new nickname for the Genesee off-leash dog park in the lovely Rainier Valley: "Gladiator Park".This moniker is no joke, but a characterization by some who view the off-leash area as a place where dogs spar. I recently heard about an incident at the Genesee Dog Park that involved a large, unentered pit bull and its combatants, two dachshunds. All went well as the three dogs played until the pit bull suddenly went after the two tiny dogs. The pit lunged at one of the dachshunds that hid under a bench, and then aggressively chased the other like a hunter pursuing its prey. The owner of the pit could not retain control of her pit, which was not wearing a collar.
Another individual intervened and helped restore order. When this individual asked if the owner planned to neuter the pit, the owner seemed surprised and offended.
Lady, what the hell are you thinking?
Discussions about breed-specific legislation and pit bulls are futile. But dialogues about safety at "Gladiator Park" are fair game. I don't think any pit bull owner would be surprised to know that some experience apprehension when your dog(s) come to the park. Seeing an unentered or non-spayed pit bull sparks genuine fear in people. And when your pit suddenly goes after tiny dogs, and when you can't control your canine in attack mode without assistance... well, that's too damned scary.
Leave the aggressive dog -- regardless of breed -- at home.
No comments:
Post a Comment