FreeLists / va-richmond-general / [va-richmond-general] Re: barred owls

[JRiverPk@xxxxxxx]

Irene
       The dog issue is contentious ... and controversial.  One of the 
ammenities of urban life is that we have plentiful, accessible and convenient 
park 
land.  One of the features of our natural area parks is that pets are 
permitted.  (This is differentiates them from the traditional English Garden 
parks -- 
those with expanses of grass and a few spreading shade trees --- where children 
roll on the ground or families lay blankets out on the ground and where 
contact with dog waste is a public health issue.)
       Although pets are expected to be kept under control at all times --- 
and the best way to do this is by keeping them on leash --- the truth is that 
many pet owners let their dogs go off lead at times "to let them stretch their 
legs"... to enable them to fetch sticks from the river ... to allow them to 
trot alongside a jogger, etc.  If there is a conflict with another park 
visitor, 
with another dog, or with any wildlife, the onus for control (and for the 
cost of any damages) lies squarely on the shoulders of the owner who had the 
pet 
off-leash.
       Of course, the problem is enforcement.  We have very little.  We have 
no routine police patrols (and none of any sort on the back trails) whle the 
DGIF Game Wardens focus their attentions on the river and shoreline areas.  By 
process of elimination, the Park Manger is the only government representative 
left to enforce the law.  It is enforced by inspecting for the presence of a 
leash.  Any visitor with a dog, but without a leash, is asked to turn around 
and leave.  Sometimes they are escorted out.  
       The park is a public space to which all residents are encourged to 
visit.  Dog walkers are as welcome as photographers; birdwatchers as welcome as 
mountain bikers.  Although there are inevitable conflicts between different 
user groups -- whitewater boaters cross over fishermen's lines; high-speed 
users 
like runners and bikers interrupt the pace and pleasure of low speed users 
like wildflower enthusiasts and wildlife watchers -- we must ultimately all 
learn 
to get along.  It involves communication ... and compromise.
       If  an unleashed dog frightens you, yell out to the owner and tell 
him, or her, so.  Demand that the dog be put under immediate phyical control.  
If 
you are particularly sensitive about this issue, then carry one of those 
containers of pepper spray -- Fed Ex drivers and postmen al do.  If the dog 
jumps 
up on you, spray him.  If the dog is harassing wildlife, throw a rock or a big 
stick at him ... and speak to the owner. If there is  a problem, call me.  If 
its a big thing and you go to court, I will go with you.
...But the truth is that we seem to be doing pretty well, so far. User groups 
tend to stratefy by time slot ... birders earlier / dog walkers later.  We 
should be able to share the same beautiful resource.   with understanding and 
forebearance we all can get along.  And, in the end, we must, if we are to have 
the JRPS be a vital and continuing asset to the City.
       Ralph

You are subscribed to VA-Richmond-General. To unsubscribe, send email to
va-richmond-general-request@xxxxxxxxxxxxx with 'unsubscribe' in the Subject 
field. To adjust other settings (vacation, digest, etc.) please visit, 
http://www.freelists.org/list/va-richmond-general.