by Knut Dorker in Environment and Open Space, Public Health & Safety
Posted on February 12, 2009 at 3:01 pm
Last Modified on February 22, 2009 at 8:24 am
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Over the last couple of months I witnessed Somerville government inability to deal with simple city issues which could potentially have dire consequences.
After purchasing a home in Somerville in 2008 I have began using the community path (from Cedar St) to commute daily to Davis Square where I catch the Red Line. Since then I’ve noticed that the community path, especially between Morrison and Cedar streets have become a free-for-all doggy park, where owners turn their dogs loose.Having rather unpleasant encounters with dogs as a child, and being attacked by a ‘friendly’ Labrador Retriever on the path before (on the Cambridge side) – I have a bit of anxiety when it comes to unrestrained dogs. I also don’t think it’s right to have unleashed dogs in areas that have clearly posted leash law signs, especially on the path right next to children’s playground. (Over 60% of dog attacks are attacks on children, almost all of the attacks are by loving pets rather than ferocious pit bulls)
After witnessing this I began to remind owners (most of them I would see everyday) about the leash laws – but I ceased doing this because I would get violent responses and some threatened to sick their dogs on me.
Then I began writing certified letters to the City Hall, Animal Control and Police Department – no response.
I also approached Aldermen from Ward 5 and 6 couple of months ago about this subject – they sympathized but I haven’t seen any improvment.
I also met with the Mayor who completely agreed with my concern and said that he would ask the police department to dispatch some officers on the path – I must say that I haven’t seen any officers on the path, especially during rush hours.
I’ve started placing calls to 311 about the problem who would forward me to the police department who said they would report this to animal conrol. I don’t think that dispatches consider this a serious issue and think that me whining to the Police dept on daily basis is gonna make me a good guy in their eyes. ( i have spoken to an officer sargent that said that he thinks it’s a serious issue)
Finally after venting to some friends about Somerville’s inability to enforce their own laws, some suggested that I protect myself and get myself some pepper spray. I found out however, that in order to legally obtain ‘mace’ in Mass, one has to obtain a weapons license, which is practically impossible to obtain by a legal resident alien like myself. This kind of irks because it seems that dogs have more rights than immigrants.
I know in other parts of the country people sued the respective governments for failure to protect them from dogs (http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/metro/20080131-9999-1m31dogs.html) but I don’t think that’s a very productive approach (although if get attacked again I probably would).
I hate to wait until I get attacked again or some pooch mauls a kid to death on the community path. What are some ways that I can help ensure mine and others safety on the path? What else can be done to make the city recognize this problem and do something about it ?
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I recommend contacting Somerdogs to see if they can help. They are a group of dog owners in the city. They have as much of an interest in not making other people angry as anyone. Its worth a shot.
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I know that at least one patrolman has issued tickets to dog owners on the bike path who let dogs go unleashed, within the last year. Unfortunately they can’t have a patrolman there all the time. You might want to talk to your ward liaison in the SPD.
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Jeff, do you mean Somerville Dog Owners Group, a.k.a. SomDog?
Here’s their website: http://www.somdog.org/
and this is their link to relevant laws and regulation: http://www.somdog.org/information/laws_and_regulations/
I hope they are able to help you, Knut! You sure have put alot of intelligent and proactive efforts into constructively solving this issue, and so far, it seems the results have been quite meager.
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At my invitation, Michèle Biscoe, a director of the SomDog group, posted a thoughtful response to Knut’s essay under Good Fences Make Good Neighbors.
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Knut, I couldnt agree more. I actually live right on the bike path and the number of un leashed dogs who have run into my house is unbelievable.
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I had the same issue last summer and contacted Ward 6 Alderman, Rebekah Gewirtz about it. She told me that she would speak with the Somerville Police Department to have the path patrolled more often. The next day, a Sunday, I saw the Police Chief walking the path personally. This is a good route to go, as well.
Also note, that if you request increased patrolling in that area, the officer assigned must call in and verify that they patrolled. This way, it is tracked and recorded.
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I have to say that when I reported the problem I would see an officer patrolling the path within couple of days. But it quickly ends.
I didn’t know that if you make a request to patrol the area they have to log it – it would explain patrol shortly after one places a call, but disappears within few days.
I guess the only solution is just to keep making calls to the police dept.
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For God’s sake people, keep your dogs on a leash!
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