Valerie Ramsay, via email

Dog attacks, some fatal, occur with sickening regularity these days.

The innocent victims, often children, are left traumatised and the scars, both physical and mental, can last a lifetime.

So it may come as a surprise to learn that no Merton law or bylaw exists preventing owners from walking unleashed dogs on Merton’s streets (source: Pat de Jesus, Merton Council).  

Fortunately, many responsible dog owners choose to leash their dogs anyway.

Unfortunately, it’s the minority who do not whose dogs pose the greatest threat.

Simply requiring owners to keep their dogs under control, as opposed to leashing them, is inadequate and ineffective as evidenced by the number of dog attacks that occur.

In my hometown of Garden Grove, California, strictly enforced leash laws for all dogs, regardless of breed, meant that my kids could play out front safe from such attacks.

This sent out a clear message that city hall cared about its residents and was serious about protecting them from danger and their property from damage.

Conclusion? The freedom of Merton’s dog owners to walk unleashed dogs legally takes precedence over protecting the public from harm.

So, in the absence of any effective law to protect us, we can expect these tragedies to continue, needlessly and inexcusably, and Merton Council is as culpable as the owners for each and every attack.

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