We live in a rural area, outside the town limits. There is no leash law where we live. Dogs can roam free as long as they do not pose a threat. Although I did not realize this when I movedhere, I accept that since I do live here I must abide by it.

My kids and most of the kids are afraid of several large dogs roaming our neighborhood. I do not know who the dogs belong to.

About 10 years ago, I organized a block watch for our neighborhood (three streets together) and we would meet and have block parties. Between my having kids, and others moving in and out, that is no longer taking place.

I would like to word a letter to send to the 25 houses on our three streets. I would like to address two issues.

1. I would like to make an updated block watch map and would like to iinvite any neighbors to submit their info (names, phone number) to be included.

2. I would like to address the dog issue, but in a peaceful way. I would just like to ackowledge that I realize the no leash law situation, but would like to ask those who do have dogs roaming to, as a courtesy, to keep their dogs in for about 20 minutes in the morning and 20 minutes in the afternoon on school days so that the kids can walk to and be at the school bus without fear of the dogs.

Any suggestions?

Thanks!

I would put it under like..." Topics I'd like to discuss"..such as dogs roaming loose throughout the day, trash barrels blowing around after emptied on trash day..etc..add any topics you would like discussed...Just for a FYI...I would probably not expect a large turn out..some of those old timers don't like to be told what to do..we have the same "laws" here in west va.

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Dear friends and neighbors,

Hello, my name is XXXXX. Years ago, I helped form a neighborhood block watch program that fell by the wayside a long time ago, much to my regret. I am very interested in re-forming the block watch program, not only to help protect our neighborhood but also to learn more about the people who live in our neighborhood.

I would like to accomplish the following:

1) make an updated block watch map to include the names, addresses and telephone numbers of those interested in participating. An email address would be helpful as well since so many of us communicate via email now.

2) I would also like to invite you to an informal get together to discuss any issues that you may have with the neighborhood, ie: safety, animals roaming,noise, etc

3) At the get together, I would like to discuss the possibility of an ice cream social or seasonal party for the neighborhood. This was enjoyed in the past and it's sorely missed.

Please let me know if you can attend the get together

name
address
phone
email


Bring up the dog issue at the meeting. See if anyone else has an issue. If so, then I would address solutions that everyone can agree upon and then distribute the minutes to all the neighbors (even those who did not attend). Now, you can't MAKE anyone abide by them since they are not breaking the law but at least it's a start

Good luck

The get together will be at my home XXXX at XXXXX. I hope you can attend

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I think its great you are wanting to do this, However, What are you going to say when school is out and the kids have all day to play outside ? Since there's no law stating dogs must be on a leash I expect that you will not come over well with some of the neighbors ( I never heard of a no leash law and I live in a rual area also , Think I would go to an offical to see what could be done if anything could be done about it )

Good Luck

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I personally would forgo talking to the neighbors about the roaming dogs and go directly to the city to ask that they make a law that dogs be leashed. ANY dog roaming free has the potential to become dangerous...not to mention seriously injured.

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Thanks to everyone who took the time to reply.

sexysmurf - I love the letter. I do not want to have a meeting right now, so I am just going to get the letter out and include the part about contact info and a get together sometime in the near future, once the weather warms up a bit.

Here is an interesting site - http://www.animallaw.info/

I'm not sure how accurate and/or updated the information is though.

I will be calling the county I live in to verify whether or not there is a leash law in our county.

I'll keep you posted.

Thanks!

Bravo to you for taking the first steps!!!!!!!

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About the dog issue, state that you are looking out for the safety of the dogs. This approach might seem less offensive to the dog owners. The dog could get hit by a car or be hurt some how and the owner would never know.

I can't understand why anyone would want to let their dog roam the neighborhood, that is a greater risk of the animal getting hit by a car or someone getting hurt. Not everyone enjoys having the dogs do their "duty" in their yards especially if you don't own a pet why should you have to deal with that? It isn't really fair.

Just got off the phone with the county judge's office.

No leash law in our county. Dogs allowed to raom free.

I like the idea of the safety of the dogs' approach.

Off to write my letter.

Thanks again!

Hi
We are your neighbors (up the street, next door, next block over, etc). We really enjoy living here and all the neighbors are great. We would like to get together with you at a mutually convenient time to discuss an issue of concern to all of us. We love dogs and animals however we have (small) children who play outside quite a bit. Your dogs have been coming around and my kids are afraid of them. I am also afraid that my kids may poke them or pull their tails or do something to scare or hurt them. Of course they being dogs will try to settle it in a dog's way which may hurt the kids.
We are also concerned as there have been some close calls with cars and your dogs have almost been hit.
We would like to find some way to resolve this issue so that everyone is happy and safe. Please either email me or call me at XXX-XXX-XXXX and we can meet for coffee or lunch to talk about this.
Thank you for being so understanding!
Sincerely
Jane Doe
123 Anywhere St

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Good luck on your letter, I hope that it all comes out okay!

(By the way, I like the way you worded it in your request for help in your first post, I thought that was very thoughtful and to the point, but in a nice way). Good luck!

Hey,
I'm the one that actually DID write a letter to my neighbors... although I live in the city limits, We don't have a leash law here....

Remember the post that McLeaderCiCi let us all "share an open letter to someone that was bothering us"
Well here's my cut and paste of the letter I posted and had already sent to the neighbors...
An open letter to make you feel better


October 28, 2006

Dear Neighbors,

As pet owners ourselves, we feel we should come to you first with our concerns before asking an agency to intervene our behalf.

We’re sure wanting to be good pet parents is a top priority to you, however, we are having an increasingly difficult time when your dog is “loose” in the front yard of your neighbor’s home. While exercise is essential to growing puppies, having them on a leash when in the public domain (anywhere other than your fenced backyard) is a protection not only for others but for the pet themselves.

Your dog charges (while barking) towards our property, (even crossing over to our property) whenever we come outside to the front of our home, either through the front door or through the garage door to load in our vehicles. While I understand the fact that I cross the street to access my mailbox, which she may think is her territory, I have the right to do so without fear of being challenged/threatened by an unrestrained dog.
My children reported once that the dog chased our van as we backed out and drove away. How frightening to think how quickly an accident could happen if that behavior continues.

I regret that the situation now necessitates that we write this letter, however my children are beginning to be fearful when they need to be in our driveway as well. We have tried adjusting our schedules, thinking that we were possibly interrupting a specific potty training schedule, but it’s every time and at varying times of the day.
7:45 am going to school,
8:50 am putting out mail or taking out the trash,
Around the noon hour after the mailman runs,
1:00 pm leaving to go shopping,
3:40 pm bringing children home from school,
5:40 pm my husband arriving home from work.

We would appreciate your attention to this matter. In addition to using a leash for your pet’s safety, we feel that your veterinarian could recommend several options for local pet obedience classes to help curtail these unwanted behaviors.

Respectfully,
Your Neighbors,


PS.. it worked.. that little monster has only been out twice since this letter!
YAY!!

Hope your letter works as well!
X

Who usually isn't a grumpy neighbor!