Living in a downtown San Diego loft or condo means you are also neighbors with numerous dogs. Downtown San Diego is home to thousands of dogs (read here) and their owners come in all different dog etiquette styles…as I’ve recently learned now that I have joined the downtown dog owner’s club.
Dog Etiquette Topic #1 is always poop. Yep, that’s right. Poop. Most downtown San Diego dog owners clean up after their pets yet there are times when somebody has not picked up after their pet and even worse, the dog bag dispenser is like ten yards away. Those are the people who end up stepping in poop (or get ticketed), it’s karma.
Anyway, the real reason for this post is this: Do you let your dog run around off it’s leash in places clearly marked with the sign seen above (or any sign stating the same code for that matter). Ever wonder what would happen to you if you got caught with your dog off a leash in an area clearly posted with these signs? I was curious and tried to find some answers and let me tell you, it was not easy and I’m still left wondering.
Unless Animal Control is monitoring the designated “dogs must be leashed” areas or a police officer is around and wanting to write you a ticket, not much can happen. Security might ask you to leash your dog, or another citizen, and complaints to Animal Control can be made by anybody willing to call and be persistant. I did read that owners of dogs off leashes in Encinitas public parks were issued tickets in the amount of $445…ouch. Are you willing, or do you already, take that risk? The activity of your dog off that leash is the issue and let me tell you, the penalties for that are not good. At. All.
So, are you a risk taking dog owner? ')}