Name:	overworked -	Reply
Subject:	Dogs running loose
Date:	1/4/2018 9:47:51 PM

I live on the Elmore county side of the lake. Eclectic to be exact. We have allot of dogs running loose not just in our area but all over the lake. I run a non profit organization or better known as a rescue group and I can't tell you how many dogs I have either picked up myself or had brought to me. Here lately we have had some issues with dogs running loose. There is a containment law in Elmore county that was past several years ago when a 5 yr old girl was killed while playing outside by neighborhood dogs running around. We had an issue with a dog this morning come into our yard. I am just wondering is anyone else experiancing any issues with dogs being allowed to run freely?

Some owners have even made rude comments about their dogs running loose and defend the dog of course. Anyone know of something that can be done. Animal control was called weeks ago about a vicious dog at the gas stations and done nothing. Same dog still runs around showing his teeth at people. Sherriff office just tells your to call animal control. Nothing will be done unless someone gets hurt. Why don't they enforce this law??

Name:	Talullahhound -	Reply
Subject:	Dogs running loose
Date:	1/4/2018 10:23:16 PM

I suggest you write a letter to the Sheriff's office and ask why the rules are not being enforced.  You will likely be told that animal control and the sheriffs office is underfunded and are not staffed to ride around the county looking for stray or unleashed animals.  I would hope that similarly, you would complain about animals that are being abused by their "owners" and I would be far happier if they spent their time on that mission.  

You could always move to a gated communtiy - I understand Russell has full time security to enforce their rules.  

Name:	overworked -	Reply
Subject:	Dogs running loose
Date:	1/4/2018 10:37:41 PM

I prefer not to move somewhere that I'm told what I can and can not do on my own property. The issue is dogs running all over the lake and being a danger to everyone. It's pretty sad when you can't get yoir kids out of the vehicle at the store because there is a dog showing his teeth at people in the parking lot. The problem is the owners. And by the way they won't do anything about neglected or abused dogs either. And my rescue relies solely on donations yet no one donates and I'm forced to spend my own money and that limits me to what I can and can't do allot of times. People say oh I want to help what can I do where can I send money to help. The. They don't send a dime when you actually take in a dog that needs help and you are asking for help. People let their dogs run about not spayed or nuetered and then there ends up being 5-10 more unwanted wild dogs running around and so on and so on. 

Name:	Buteye -	Reply
Subject:	Dogs running loose
Date:	1/4/2018 10:57:54 PM

I agree that no one should have to move to get away from soneone elses dogs that are allowewd to run loose. If people are not willing to maintain their dogs within the confines of their own property they should not own dogs. As an example, if I had a drainage problem on my property, should I be allowed to drain my water on to my neighbors property? I don't think so. Likewise, if my neighbor or someone esle owns a dog, they should not expect me to be agreeable to their dog coming on my property. If you own a dog, put up a fence. If you don't want to put up a fence or you don't want your dog to be confined with a fence, then you should not own a dog.

Name:	Talullahhound -	Reply
Subject:	Dogs running loose
Date:	1/5/2018 8:52:29 AM

You and I are are in violent agreement about spaying and neutering.  I don't understand why people won't spay or neuter their animals.  

I've not heard of your rescue.  Perhaps you should get the word out what you are doing or register as non-profit, that would allow people to deduct their donations.  I admire anyone that takes dogs in and pays for their maintenance while trying to find homes for them.  

I have 2 coonhounds, and I do let them run loose.  They go up into the hundreds of acres behind my house and hunt themselves.  My yard does not lend itself to being fenced and invisible fence just doesn't work for hounds.  Both of my hounds are rescues, and the only thing that anyone is in danger, other than being licked to death or being asked to share their lunch.  I live in Coosa county.  Both of my dogs are neutered, they are up to date on their shots, they are tagged with my name and phone number.  All of my neighbors know them and they also know to call me immediately if there is a problem (which has only happened once, and I took full responsibility and paid for the repair.  

As far as a dog showing it's teeth at a store (I assume you are talking about the general store in Eclectic), that dog is a threat and should be reported to the sheiff's office as a vicious dog.  One thing is that this time of year and in the spring, people bring dogs out here to be dumped.  My Blue tick was dumped by a hunter and we adopted him and dealth with his heart worms.  So what you may be seeing may not all be people's pets, but dogs that have been dumped by someone that just doesn't want them anymore, or found out they aren't hunters.  Sometimes dogs just get aggressive when they are hungry and scared. 

Name:	MartiniMan -	Reply
Subject:	Dogs running loose
Date:	1/5/2018 8:53:51 AM

We have dogs running all over the Sandy Creek area but fortunatley they are all very friendly.  When we take our dog to the lake we also take our Petsafe system so he stays in the yard.  Sometimes the dogs can be a bit annoying but usually they entertain ours so I don't mind so much.  I can tell you that if a dog came onto my property and threatened me, my family or my dog I will shoot it.  I feel bad for dogs like this because they are not the problem, their owners are.  But if they come on my property and threaten someone they are going to be put down.  Fortunately that has never been an issue for us and I hope it never does happen.  But I won't hesitate.

Name:	Casey -	Reply
Subject:	Dogs running loose
Date:	1/5/2018 10:25:24 AM

I agree with you but wonder if, legally, I can shoot a dog that is on my property. Do you know if it's all right to do that?

Name:	deerhunt -	Reply
Subject:	Dogs running loose
Date:	1/5/2018 10:36:03 AM

I'm on 100 acres in Elmore county and can tell you first hand stray dogs and cats end up on coyote dinner tables most of the time.  I see them jogging down dirt roads with them in their mouth.  Agree with Martini too, shoot them if they are on your property and threatening you.  The sheriff will say 'good shot'...

Name:	overworked -	Reply
Subject:	Dogs running loose
Date:	1/5/2018 10:49:31 AM

My rescue is already registered as a non profit and I already have a tax if number. People still don't donate. Also yes I am talking about the dog that comes to that store and the sheriff was called and did nothing but send animal control which also did nothing. The dog also still goes to the vet clinic right there and they have had to shew him away several times since then. I know because the lady tells me about him still coming around every time I bring another rescue up there. The owners know and the neighbors who defend the dog (they own a business there) have been very rude to me and on my page publicly about the dog. Telling me I should mind my own business and they don't like people like me coming into "their community" telling them what they should do with their dogs. Go read their posts on my rescue page. It's pathetic. I had to remove some of her comments. Guess if he would have bitten that poor old lady that tried to pet him at the store then she would tel the lady she should have minded her own business. 

Name:	overworked -	Reply
Subject:	Dogs running loose
Date:	1/5/2018 10:51:57 AM

It's really hard to shoot a dog when a fight happens because at that point you may shoot your own dog. I didn't exactly run outside with my gun either when I went to see what my little dig was yelping about in my back yard during that incident. Owner should pay for it not the dog though.

Name:	Casey -	Reply
Subject:	Dogs running loose
Date:	1/5/2018 11:02:10 AM

What is the name of your rescue?

Name:	MartiniMan -	Reply
Subject:	Dogs running loose
Date:	1/5/2018 11:32:17 AM

I think it depends on where your house is located.  There may be ordinances that prohibit the discharge of a firearm in certain cities.  I am not in one so I can shoot a dangerous dog if I want.

Name:	MartiniMan -	Reply
Subject:	Dogs running loose
Date:	1/5/2018 11:35:59 AM

You are right about using discretion when they are fighting.  And while I agree with you that the owner is ultimately responsible, in my view they advocated their responsibility by letting an aggressive dog loose.  We have a responsibility to protect our family and our own pets and any dog, coyote, etc. that threatens them on my property will be shot.  I love dogs but I also recognize that some are a safety hazard and need to be put down.

Name:	overworked -	Reply
Subject:	Dogs running loose
Date:	1/5/2018 12:12:52 PM

Lake Martin Aniaml Sanctuary

http://lakemartinanimalsanctuary.com/

Name:	Talullahhound -	Reply
Subject:	Dogs running loose
Date:	1/5/2018 12:52:59 PM

I had no idea and what you are doing is a wonderful thing.  Things would be better if hunter would stop dumping their dogs and people took their animals to a shelter, or a rescue when they no longer want them.  When I found one of my coonhounds, someone had put her behind the fence of the old cemetery on Coosa 20.  It was a hot August day and she was only about 7 weeks old.  I checked around with two houses and no one knew anything about her.  She was too small to have gotten there on her own.

We've always welcomed friendly dogs that came to visit (or to get a treat).  We even let people doing work for us, bring their dogs here while they are working, as long as they get along with my 3 (I also have a Lab Mix that I rescued).  

Name:	Aardvark -	Reply
Subject:	Dogs running loose
Date:	1/6/2018 12:04:39 AM

Fortunately, it has been a very long time since we have had any problems with bad dogs.  I usually only bring my dog in the winter when very few people are around.  She explores a little but never gets far away, which is unusual for a hound.  Sometimes other dogs come to visit, and they have a grand time playing.  We are fortunate to have lots of friendly dogs in the neighborhood.  Most of them are large dogs, so I think that keeps the coyotes at a safe distance.

Name:	10toLife -	Reply
Subject:	Funny story related to dogs roaming free on LM
Date:	1/6/2018 6:30:32 AM

When we first bought our house off Old Susannah on Sandy Creek-- we went for a walk with our two Goldens..  we walk the 4 mile RT walk from Quail Hollow to the end of Old Susannah and back. Before we got half way to the end we had an entourage of dogs trotting along beside us. I am sure it was a funny site for passing cars. We had our two dogs and probably 4-5 other roamers. All friendly and all sweet..   it is one of my fondest memories. I think it was the Welcome Wagon. Since then we have gotten to know some of them and their owners.  As far as dogs being allowed to roam -- I think we are not in suburbia and it's how things are in the country. I would never let my citified Goldens run around ( we have an invisible fence and they are not smart about cars) but some dog breeds inherently roam... and as long as they are not dangerous, have collars and phone numbers and are smart about cars..  I see no problem with it. I think it depends on the dog. 

Cudos to the animal rescue!! There is a dog on Old Susannah I lament for every time I pass the trailer where it resides-- outside on a chain -- all year long -- no matter the weather. I have called Animal Control and they do nothing. The person bought an IGLOO dog house -- that's it. Why have a dog on a chain... all the time ...with no life at all but to sit there wasting away its existence in its own 4X4 area of crap? It pisses me off and I would like to shake the people who live there. I have often thought of breaking the dog free but I know it's against the law. I would rather they would just let the dog go so it would at least have some chance of a good life.  These same people had a horse in their muddy and grass-free yard for at least 6 months  --thankfully the horse was moved to a barn and pasture down the road.  I find it ridiculous that people who can't even take care of themselves get animals they can't and won't take care of. Rant over. 

Name:	Talullahhound -	Reply
Subject:	What kind
Date:	1/6/2018 9:39:30 PM

of Hound do you have?  I have a Blue Tick and a Walker.  

Name:	Talullahhound -	Reply
Subject:	Funny story related to dogs roaming free on LM
Date:	1/6/2018 9:47:54 PM

It would seem to me that leaving a dog chained and only a dog house, in this cold weather is animal abuse.  I will never understand people that want to leave their dogs outside.  Why have a dog if you aren't going to have a relationship with the dog?  My Labmix rescue, Lady, was a stray dog and she had puppies every time she came in season.  In fact, when I adopted her she had just had a litter and was skinny as a rail.  She is the best housedog - a breeze to housebreak and she is very polite.  She is deeply affectionate and very protective.  

My other two dogs were dumped out when their owners decided they didn't want them.  They are hounds and the sweetest, most gentle dogs ever.  

I cannot understand why animal control won't do anythihng.  I've heard of horses dropping dead in the field, after animal control was called several times.  I just love animals and will never understand cruelty to them.  

Name:	Talullahhound -	Reply
Subject:	P.S.
Date:	1/6/2018 9:50:04 PM

I love the visual of all those dogs following you and your dogs.  Over the years, we've had a lot of visiting dogs.  Two used to come here to get a respite from the other dogs in their families.  

Name:	Aardvark -	Reply
Subject:	Funny story related to dogs roaming free on LM
Date:	1/11/2018 5:59:00 PM

I have gone running on the roads around our place and have ended up with an entourage of local dogs following me.  The don't snap at me or act threatening other than a few barks, and then they just follow along.  They must think we are all hunting.

Name:	Talullahhound -	Reply
Subject:	Funny story related to dogs roaming free on LM
Date:	1/11/2018 6:32:27 PM

So if I see a man running and dogs following we will know it is you!  You've formed your own little running club.  

Name:	Aardvark -	Reply
Subject:	Funny story related to dogs roaming free on LM
Date:	1/19/2018 3:08:51 PM

It is even better in the summer when a lab comes to visit.  They will swim forever, and then we can play big air by throwing something off the end of the pier and see how far out they can jump.