By Staff
I was surprised recently when I got a phone call from City Councilwoman Ann Marie Sasser, who had read a story in our newspaper about the tragic death of a toddler who was killed by a stray rottweiler.
Because the story had humane society officials calling for a dangerous dog law in Escambia County, Mrs. Sasser reminded me that the City of Brewton does have a leash law.
Sometimes you wouldn't know that if you look around Brewton, though. While most dogs are kept on leashes or in fenced-in yards, you can find dogs in the streets in just about every area.
Of course, most dogs - especially those raised in loving homes - tend to be friendly.
In fact, when I see them roaming in pairs or packs of four or five, my first thought is of how much they look like a Disney movie come to life, like the band from &#8220Lady and the Tramp.”
The dog I grew up with loved roaming so much he had a habit of nosing his way out the door and taking off - with one of us not far behind, usually wearing pajamas or some equally embarrassing attire.
But even the friendliest of dogs can be dangerous in the wrong situation, and dogs themselves can be put in danger when they are allowed free to roam a neighborhood.
I shudder to think of another incident involving a child like the one we reported on last month.
And I also hate to think of dogs being put in danger because their owners don't keep track of them.
The City of Brewton contracts with the Escambia County Humane Society to pick up dogs who are not kept on leashes or that are not contained in some way.
The law exists to protect people and dogs, and it needs to be followed as well as enforced.
Now than we're in a house with a fenced-in yard, my husband and I are looking forward to being dog owners in the near future.
But if you see him roaming the neighborhood, you can bet we'll probably not be far behind. I hope we won't be in our pajamas.
Kerry Whipple Bean is publisher of The Brewton Standard. She can be reached at 251-867-4876 or by e-mail at kerry.bean@brewtonstandard.com.